stable

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sta•ble

[[t]ˈsteɪ bəl[/t]] n. v. -bled, -bling

1) a building, usu. with stalls, for the lodging and feeding of horses, cattle, etc

2) a collection of animals housed in such a building

3) spo

a) an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained

b) the horses belonging to, or the persons connected with, such an establishment

4) cvb inf

a) a number of people, as athletes, writers, or performers, who are employed, trained, or represented by the same company, agency, manager, etc

b) the establishment that trains or manages such a group

c) a collection of items produced by or belonging to an establishment, industry, etc

5) to put or lodge in or as if in a stable

6) to live in or as if in a stable

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Etymology: 1200–50; ME < OF estable < L stabulum=sta-, s. of stāre to stand II

sta•ble

[[t]ˈsteɪ bəl[/t]] adj. -bler, -blest

1) not likely to fall, give way, or overturn; firm; steady

2) able or likely to continue or last; firmly established; enduring or permanent:

a stable government[/ex]

3) resistant to sudden change or deterioration:

a stable currency[/ex]

4) not wavering or changeable in character or purpose; dependable; steadfast

5) not subject to emotional instability or illness; sane; mentally sound

6) phs having the ability to react to a disturbing force by maintaining or reestablishing position, form, etc

7) chem. not readily decomposing, as a chemical compound; resisting chemical, molecular, or nuclear change

8) (of a patient's condition) exhibiting no significant change

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Etymology: 1225–75; ME < OF estable < L stabilis, der. of stāre to stand sta′ble•ness, n.