astatic

astatic [ey-stat-ik] ExamplesWord Origin adjective

1. unstable; unsteady.
2. Physics. having no tendency to take a definite position or direction.

Origin of astatic 1820–30; Greek ástat(os) not steadfast, unstable (a- a-6 + statós standing) + -ic; see static Related formsa·stat·i·cal·ly, adverba·stat·i·cism [ey-stat-uh-siz-uh m] /eɪˈstæt əˌsɪz əm/, noun Examples from the Web for astatic Historical Examples of astatic

The loafing or astatic mind will fall into morbid tendencies.

Evening Round Up

William Crosbie Hunter

Astatic, a-stat′ik, adj. having a tendency not to stand still: losing polarity, as a magnetic needle.

Chambers’s Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)

Various

By arranging two magnetized needles with their poles opposite each other, Fig. 92, an astatic needle is formed.

Things a Boy Should Know About Electricity

Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John

Fig. 67 shows an astatic galvanometer for measuring weak currents.

Things a Boy Should Know About Electricity

Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John

The ends of the coil are to be connected to an astatic galvanoscope; this forms a closed circuit.

Things a Boy Should Know About Electricity

Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John

British Dictionary definitions for astatic astatic adjective

1. not static; unstable
2. physics
   1. having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation
   2. (of a galvanometer) having two mutually compensating magnets arranged so that the instrument is independent of the earth’s magnetic field

Derived Formsastatically, adverbastaticism, nounWord Origin for astatic C19: from Greek astatos unsteady; see a- 1, static Word Origin and History for astatic adj.

1827, from Greek astatos “unstable, not steadfast,” from a-, privative prefix (see a- (3)), + statos “placed, standing,” from PIE root *sta- (see stet).

astatic in Medicine astatic [ə-stăt′ĭk] adj.

1. Relating to astasia.
2. Unsteady; unstable.