 Semistable holomorphic vector bundle

A positive-rank holomorphic vector bundle on a compact Riemann surface is semistable when every nonzero proper holomorphic subbundle has slope at most its own. Equivalently one tests coherent subsheaves: saturation on a smooth curve preserves rank, increases degree, and gives a subbundle with torsion-free quotient. Strict inequality defines stability, which is stronger.