METASTABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Metastability refers to a concept in physics and engineering that describes a state of equilibrium or balance that is inherently unstable or temporary. In systems exhibiting metastability, there are multiple potential stable states, but transitions between them are not instantaneous or predictable, leading to a period of uncertainty or vulnerability.
In physics, metastability often arises when a system is close to its equilibrium state but is prevented from reaching it due to some external or internal factors. These factors could be temperature fluctuation, noise, or other disturbances that prevent the system from settling into a definitive stable state. As a result, the system remains in a metastable state for some time, creating a state of potential energy that can be triggered or resolved by a tiny disturbance or perturbation. Once triggered, the system moves from its metastable state to a different stable state, a process known as a metastable transition.
In engineering and computer science, metastability is a phenomenon of concern in digital systems that use electronic circuits. When signals are transitioning from high to low or low to high states, due to clocking or synchronization, there can be a brief period where the signal is unstable and may oscillate between the two states. This period is called a metastable state, and it can lead to incorrect or unpredictable outputs, known as metastability failure.
Overall, metastability denotes a situation in which a system is in a temporary state of equilibrium, subject to change or transition under certain conditions. Its study is crucial for understanding complex systems and designing reliable systems in the fields of physics, engineering, and computer science.
Common Misspellings for METASTABILITY
- netastability
- ketastability
- jetastability
- mwtastability
- mstastability
- mdtastability
- mrtastability
- m4tastability
- m3tastability
- merastability
- mefastability
- megastability
- meyastability
- me6astability
- me5astability
- metzstability
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- metwstability
- metqstability
- metaatability
- metastablity
- metastabilty
- Metastablitiy
- Metastablility
- Metastaiblility
Etymology of METASTABILITY
The word "metastability" is derived from the combination of two words: "meta-" and "stability".
1. Meta-: The prefix "meta-" comes from Greek and is often used to indicate a change or transformation beyond or after. It can also imply a state of suspension or a transitional stage. In the context of metastability, it signifies the notion of being beyond or away from stability.
2. Stability: This word comes from the Latin term "stabilitas", which is derived from the verb "stare" meaning "to stand". It refers to the quality or state of being stable, steadfast, or resistant to change.
By combining these two elements, "meta-" and "stability", the term "metastability" is formed. It denotes a state in which a system or substance appears stable but is actually in a condition where a slight perturbation can cause it to transition to an entirely different state.
Similar spelling words for METASTABILITY
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