stat·ic / ˈstatik/ • adj. 1. lacking in movement, action, or change, esp. in a way viewed as undesirable or uninteresting: demand has grown in what was a fairly static market the whole ballet appeared too static. ∎  Comput. (of a process or variable) not able to be changed during a set period, for example, while a program is running.2. Physics concerned with bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium. Often contrasted with dynamic. ∎  (of an electric charge) having gathered on or in an object that cannot conduct a current. ∎  acting as weight but not moving. ∎  of statics.3. Comput. (of a memory or store) not needing to be periodically refreshed by an applied voltage.• n. crackling or hissing noises on a telephone, radio, or other telecommunications system. ∎ short for static electricity. ∎  inf. angry or critical talk or behavior: the reception was going sour, breaking up into static.DERIVATIVES: stat·i·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.stat·ick·y / -ikē/ adj.

static †pert. to weighing or weight XVII; pert. to forces in equilibrium or bodies at rest XVII; pert. to a fixed condition XIX. — Gr. statikós pert. to weighing, f. *sta- (see prec.).
Hence statical XVI. So †static sb. XVI, later altered to statics XVII. — Gr. statiké science of weighing, fem. of statikós.

Static ★★ ½ 1987 (PG-13)

A strange, disquieting independent film about an eccentric youth who claims to have built a machine through which one can see heaven. Uneven, with some dull stretches. 89m/ C VHS . Keith Gordon, Amanda Plummer, Bob Gunton, Jane Hoffman, Barton Heyman, Lily Knight; D: Mark Romanek; W: Keith Gordon, Mark Romanek.

static Not changing, incapable of being changed, or unable to take place during some period of time, usually while a system or device is in operation or a program is running. Compare dynamic.