stat|ic

stat|ic «STAT ihk», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. in a fixed or stable condition; not in a state of progress or change; at rest; standing still: »

a static character in a novel. Life does not remain static, but changes constantly.

SYNONYM(S): passive, immobile.

2. a) having to do with bodies at rest or with forces that balance each other. b) acting by weight without producing motion: »

static pressure.

3. a) of or having to do with stationary electrical charges that balance each other. Static electricity can be produced by rubbing a glass rod with a silk cloth. b) producing such electricity.

4. of, having to do with, or caused by atmospheric electricity that interferes with radio and television reception.

5. Economics. having to do with the conditions and problems occurring in a relatively stable society.

–n.

1. electrical disturbances in the air; atmospherics. Static interferes with radio and television broadcasting by causing crackling sounds in the receiver. Some static is caused by electrical storms.

2. noises and other interference with radio and television reception caused by such electrical disturbances; strays: »

Thin squeaks of radio static (Hart Crane).

╂[< Greek statikós causing to stand < sta-, a stem of histánai cause to stand or stop]

–stat´i|cal|ly, adverb.