Metastability
（重定向自Quasistability）
![A metastable state of weaker bond (1), a transitional 'saddle' configuration (2) and a stable state of stronger bond (3).](/Images/godic/202502/05/Meta-stability.svg3851.png")
![Small avalanches demonstrate metastability at Mount Baker Ski Area.](/Images/godic/202502/05/MtBaker-Chair8-Top3851.jpg")
Metastability denotes the phenomenon when a system spends an extended time in a configuration other than the system's state of least energy. During a metastable state of finite lifetime all state-describing parameters reach and hold stationary values. While in isolation: