astatic

[ ey-stat-ik ]

adjective

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

astatic

/ eɪ-; æˈstætɪk /

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 Forms

• aˈstatiˌcism, noun
• aˈstatically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·stati·cal·ly adverb
• a·stat·i·cism [ey-, stat, -, uh, -siz-, uh, m], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astatic¹

1820–30; < Greek ástat ( os ) not steadfast, unstable ( a- a- ⁶ + statós standing) + -ic; static

Word History and Origins

Origin of astatic¹

C19: from Greek astatos unsteady; see a- ¹, static

Example Sentences

In course of time both the original form of single needle galvanometer and mirror galvanometer were improved by introducing the astatic principle and weakening the external controlling magnetic field.

From Project Gutenberg

This coil, etc., may be used in connection with an astatic needle.

From Project Gutenberg

The iron cylinder is thus converted into a strong magnet, attracting one of the poles, and repelling the other, and consequently deflecting the entire astatic system.

From Project Gutenberg

Quartz fibres have two great advantages over other forms of suspension when employed for any kind of torsion balance, from an ordinary more or less "astatic" galvanometer to the Cavendish apparatus.

From Project Gutenberg

Horizontal and vertical astatic system are also used—Figs.

From Project Gutenberg