Stead{state. The input of energy to arrest entropy maintains some constancy in energy exchange resulting in a relatively steady state. Even though there is a constant flow of new inputs into the system and a steady outflow, on balance the character of the system remains the same. Your body will replace most of its dying cells in any given year, but your physical appearance alters very little. So while an open system is active in processing inputs to outputs, the system tends to maintain itself over time.