Solid

A solid is a state of matter that is characterized by a definite volume and a definite shape (i.e. it resists deformation). In the solid phase of matter, the atoms have a fixed spatial ordering, but this does not prevent the solid from being deformed or compressed to some extent. Because all matter has some kinetic energy, the atoms in even the most rigid solid move slightly, but this movement is invisible.

Physicists call the study of solids solid state physics. This includes semiconductors and superconductivity. Solid state physics is a type of condensed matter physics.

Materials science is primarily concerned with properties of solids such as strength and phase transformations. It overlaps strongly with solid state physics.

Solid state chemistry overlaps both of these fields, but is especially concerned with the synthesis of novel materials.