Bistability is a term that is commonly used in science and engineering. It refers to a system or a device that can exist in two different stable states. Bistability is an important concept that has applications in many fields, including electronics, biology, and chemistry.
Definitions
Bistability is defined as the ability of a system or device to exist in two stable states. In other words, a bistable system has two different equilibrium states that it can settle into. The transition between these states can be triggered by a small perturbation or stimulus.
Origin
The term bistability was first used in the field of electronics in the 1950s. It was used to describe circuits that could be in one of two stable states, such as on or off. Since then, the concept of bistability has been applied to many other fields, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bistability is “the property of a system or device of being capable of existing in two distinct stable states.” Merriam-Webster defines bistability as “the existence of two stable states in a system.”
Associations
Bistability is associated with a number of different phenomena in science and engineering. In electronics, it is associated with circuits that can be in one of two stable states, such as a flip-flop circuit. In biology, bistability is associated with the behavior of cells and biological systems. In chemistry, it is associated with the behavior of chemical reactions.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bistability include dual stability, dualism, and two-state behavior.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bistability include monostability, singularity, and one-state behavior.
The same root words
The root words of bistability are “bi” and “stability.” Bi means two, and stability refers to the ability of a system to remain in a particular state.
Example Sentences
- The bistability of the circuit allowed it to be in either an on or off state.
- The bistability of the chemical reaction was responsible for the oscillations observed.
- The bistability of the biological system allowed it to switch between two different states in response to stimuli.