ground state

noun

, Physics.

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

ground state

noun

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

ground state

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground state¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

On this ground State and Federal authority must, they thought, come in conflict.

From Project Gutenberg

The seeds are said to be good for pigeons, or mixed in a ground state with potatoes or barley for fattening pigs.

From Project Gutenberg