See: metastable ion (in mass spectrometry), metastable state (in nuclear chemistry), metastable state (in spectrochemistry), transient (chemical) species
Sources:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry' on page 609 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197231040577)
PAC, 1982, 54, 1533. 'Glossary of terms used in nuclear analytical chemistry (Provisional)' on page 1546 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198254081533)
PAC, 1985, 57, 1453. 'Nomenclature, symbols, units and their usage in spectrochemical analysis - V: Radiation sources (Recommendations 1985)' on page 1463 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198557101453)
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541. 'Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)' on page 1549 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163101541)
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1139 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)