metastable
/ˌmɛtəˈsteɪbəl/
adjective
- Describing a system that is stable under normal conditions but can change to a more stable state if disturbed; not permanently stable.
- Engineers designed the bridge to avoid metastable conditions that could lead to sudden failure.
- The metastable state of the chemical lasted for several days before it decomposed.
- Supercooled water is metastable and will freeze instantly if shaken.