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static

adj. · n.
US //ˈstætɪk// UK //stˈætɪk// stat·ic
  1. 1 unchanging (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    staying the same and not changing or moving.

    characterised by a lack of movement, action, or change; remaining in a fixed state.

    Example

    The population of the small village has remained static for the last ten years.

    Example

    Economists expressed concern that wages remained static despite the sharp increase in the cost of living over the same period.
  2. 2 programming (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    describing parts of a computer program that are fixed before the program starts running.

    pertaining to elements of a program that are fixed at compile-time rather than being determined at runtime.

    Example

    The developer used a static variable to keep track of how many times the app was opened.

    Example

    By declaring the method as static, the programmer ensured it could be accessed without needing to instantiate the class first.
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  1. 3 signal interference (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the crackling noise or fuzzy picture you get on a radio or TV when the signal is bad.

    audible or visible interference in a broadcast signal caused by atmospheric disturbances or electromagnetic noise.

    Example

    There was so much static on the radio that I couldn't hear the news.

    Example

    The old television set produced nothing but grey static, suggesting the antenna had been disconnected during the storm.
  2. 4 static electricity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    an electric charge that builds up on the surface of an object, often giving you a tiny shock.

    a stationary electric charge, typically produced by friction, which causes sparks or the attraction of dust or hair.

    Example

    I got a shock from static after walking across the carpet and touching the door handle.

    Example

    The dry winter air increased the buildup of static, causing the laundry to cling together as it came out of the dryer.

  3. 5 conflict or complaints (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal American English Slang

    angry talk, complaints, or trouble from other people.

    verbal opposition, criticism, or unwanted interference from others.

    Example

    The boss gave me a lot of static because I was ten minutes late.

    Example

    The senator expected some static from the opposition, but he was surprised by the level of hostility from his own party members.
Origin

Modern Latin staticus, from Ancient Greek στατικός (statikós), from ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to make stand”). By surface analysis, stasis + -tic.

Word family

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