ground state

n.
The state of least possible energy in a physical system, as of elementary particles. Also called ground level.

In quantum mechanics, the stationary state of lowest energy of a particle or a systemof particles. The ground state may be bound or unbound; when bound, its energy generally is a finite amount less than the energy of the next higher or first excited state. In the typical circumstance that the potential energy is zero at infinite separation, the magnitude of the negative ground-state energy is the binding energy, that is, the energy required to separate all the particles infinitely. See also Energy level (quantum mechanics); Excited state; Nuclear binding energy.

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n

The state of a nucleus, an atom, or a molecule when it has its lowest energy. All other states are termed excited.

n.

The state of least possible energy in a physical system, as of atoms or molecules.

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The adjective has one meaning:

Meaning #1: at surface level
  Synonym: grade

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