What does monostable mean?
Monostable describes a system with one stable state, most often an electronic circuit whose output remains unchanged until it receives a trigger. After being triggered, it may enter a temporary state before automatically returning to rest. Such circuits are especially useful for generating pulses of a controlled duration, debouncing mechanical switches, and implementing timers or simple sequencing operations. A monostable multivibrator is a common form of this device. The term comes from combining the Greek-derived prefix mono-, meaning one, with stable, meaning able to remain in a particular condition. It should not be confused with bistable, which has two stable states and can therefore preserve either one indefinitely. Monostable is primarily technical rather than general-purpose vocabulary, but recognizing it clarifies how one-shot pulse generation differs from circuits intended to hold a persistent state.
Having one stable state, or operating by returning automatically to a single resting state after a temporary triggered condition.
"The engineer selected a monostable configuration for the pulse generator."
Most often used of electronic circuits, multivibrators, and switching systems.
A monostable circuit or multivibrator, especially one that generates a single pulse when triggered.
"The monostable converts each incoming trigger into a brief output pulse."
The noun form is specialized and is often encountered in the fuller technical phrase “monostable multivibrator.”
A monostable circuit can produce a precisely timed pulse from a single trigger—making it the electronic equivalent of a one-shot response.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of monostable
The word was formed in the early 20th century from the combining form mono-, meaning “one,” and stable, from Latin stabilis, meaning “firm” or “able to stand firm.” The compound follows the established pattern of describing electronic systems by their number of stable states. Related forms such as stable, stability, unstable, and instable ultimately derive from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How monostable is actually used
This is specialized technical vocabulary, chiefly used in electronics, computing, and control engineering. In British usage, the word is sometimes contrasted explicitly with a bistable circuit; the same distinction is understood in US technical writing.
Easily confused with monostable
A monostable circuit has one stable state, whereas a bistable circuit can rest in either of two stable states.