SOLID STATE
\sˈɒlɪd stˈe͡ɪt], \sˈɒlɪd stˈeɪt], \s_ˈɒ_l_ɪ_d s_t_ˈeɪ_t]\
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(Often hyphenated when used as an adjective) Aterm describing any device that uses semiconductorcomponents rather than electron tubes or relays.Semiconductors are "solid" in that they contain no gas ("vacuum" tubes contain a small amount as the vacuum is notperfect) or moving parts (like relays), but probably moreimportant is the connotation of reliability and durabilitythat made possible things like portable radios.
By Denis Howe
