astatically
|a-stat-ic-ally|
/əˈstætɪk/
(astatic)
not fixed; magnetically neutral
Etymology
'astatic' is a modern English formation from the prefix 'a-' (from Greek 'a-', meaning 'not' or 'without') + 'static' (from Greek 'statikos' via Latin/French, relating to standing or stability), where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'static' related to 'standing' or 'fixed state'.
'statikos' (Greek) → 'staticus' (Latin, via Medieval usage) → 'statique' (French) → 'static' (English); combining the negative prefix 'a-' with English 'static' produced 'astatic' and then the adverb 'astatically'.
Initially it denoted 'not standing/without a fixed (magnetic) state', specifically lacking a fixed magnetic polarity; this core sense has been retained in technical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not possessing a fixed magnetic polarity; magnetically neutral or unstable (used chiefly of needles or devices intended to cancel out Earth's magnetic field).
The laboratory used an astatic needle to reduce interference from the Earth's magnetic field.
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Antonyms
Adverb 1
in an astatic manner; without a fixed magnetic polarity or with magnetic instability.
The compass needle bobbed astatically when placed near the experimental coil.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/05 13:24