bistable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bistable” mean?
Having two stable states.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having two stable states; capable of existing in either of two distinct, stable conditions.
In electronics and computing, a device or circuit (like a flip-flop) that maintains one of two stable output states until triggered to switch. In physics and materials science, describing systems with two equilibrium configurations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows respective conventions (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “bistable” in a Sentence
be + bistablefunction as + a bistabledesign + to be bistableexhibit + bistable behaviourVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bistable” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The circuit can be designed to bistable under specific conditions.
- (Note: 'bistable' is not standard as a verb; this is a forced, non-idiomatic example.)
American English
- (No standard verb usage exists.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical product specifications or R&D reports for electronics.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, computer science, and materials science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in digital electronics, control systems, and nonlinear dynamics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bistable”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bistable”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bistable”
- Using 'bistable' to mean 'unstable' or 'changing frequently'. Confusing it with 'bistable' as a noun (it's primarily an adjective; the noun is 'bistable circuit' or 'flip-flop').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised technical term used almost exclusively in fields like electronics, physics, and engineering.
While primarily an adjective, in technical contexts it can be used informally as a noun short for 'bistable circuit' or 'bistable device' (e.g., 'Connect the output to the bistable'). The standard noun is 'flip-flop'.
'Binary' refers to anything involving two parts or options. 'Bistable' is more specific: it describes a system that can rest stably in either of two distinct states and will remain there without external input.
Yes. A light switch (on/off), a toggle latch, a flip-flop electronic circuit, and certain genetic switches in biology are all classic bistable systems.
Having two stable states.
Bistable is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bistable: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈsteɪ.bəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈsteɪ.bəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none - term is purely technical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a light switch: it's BISTABLE – it stays firmly ON or OFF (two stable states) until you flip it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A seesaw with two locked resting positions.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bistable' MOST commonly used?