metastable adjective. [mɛtǝ'steɪb(ǝ)l] L19.
[from META- + STABLE adjective.]
Physics etc.
1. (Of equilibrium) stable only under small disturbances and capable of changing to a more stable state; of, pertaining to, or existing in such equilibrium. L19.

2. Of an excited state of an atom, nucleus, etc.: having an exceptionally long lifetime; passing to another state so slowly as to appear stable. E20.

■ metasta'bility noun E20.

■ metastably adverb M20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲