ground state

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the state of least energy of a particle, as an atom, or of a system of particles.

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ground state British  

noun

1. the lowest energy state of an atom, molecule, particle, etc Compare excited

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ground state Scientific  

1. The state of a physical system having the lowest possible potential energy. For example, an electron in the lowest energy orbital in a hydrogen atom is in a ground state. The ground state of a physical system tends to be stable unless energy is applied to it from the outside; states that are not the ground state have a tendency to revert to the ground state, giving off energy in the process.

2. Compare excited state

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Etymology

Origin of ground state

First recorded in 1925–30

Compare meaning

How does ground-state compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ground state vs. excited state
• excited vs. ground state

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ground state

"Superfluidity is generally regarded as the low-temperature ground state," said Li.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 5, 2026

"Today, precise state-led strikes, backed by central paramilitary forces, have changed the game. While paramilitary held the ground, state forces gathered intelligence and launched targeted operations. It was clear role delineation and coordination," he said.

From BBC ● May 27, 2025

"Except for very small systems, even the world's most powerful supercomputers are unable to find the exact ground state."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 25, 2024

Therefore, external perturbations such as strain or magnetic field may push the system out of its intrinsic ground state, leading to controversial experimental observations.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 29, 2024

Vast quantities of the shavings of this wood are sold in a half-torrefied and ground state to disguise its obvious character, and to prevent its being recognised among the waste materials of the brewers.

From A Treatise on Adulterations of Food, and Culinary Poisons Exhibiting the Fraudulent Sophistications of Bread, Beer, Wine, Spiritous Liquors, Tea, Coffee, Cream, Confectionery, Vinegar, Mustard, Pepper, Cheese, Olive Oil, Pickles, and Other Articles Employed in Domestic Economy by Accum, Friedrich Christian