Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

stability

 - 5 dictionary results

sta⋅bil⋅i⋅ty

  [stuh-bil-i-tee]
Use stability in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ties.
1. the state or quality of being stable.
2. firmness in position.
3. continuance without change; permanence.
4. Chemistry. resistance or the degree of resistance to chemical change or disintegration.
5. resistance to change, esp. sudden change or deterioration: The stability of the economy encourages investment.
6. steadfastness; constancy, as of character or purpose: The job calls for a great deal of emotional stability.
7. Aeronautics. the ability of an aircraft to return to its original flying position when abruptly displaced.
8. Roman Catholic Church. a vow taken by a Benedictine monk, binding him to residence for life in the same monastery in which he made the vow.
Origin:
1400–50; < L stabilitās, equiv. to stabili(s) stabile + -tās- -ty; r. late ME stablete < OF < L, as above

Synonyms:
6. steadiness, strength, soundness, poise, solidity, balance.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To stability
sta·bil·i·ty   (stə-bĭl'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. sta·bil·i·ties

  1. The state or quality of being stable, especially:

    1. Resistance to change, deterioration, or displacement.

    2. Constancy of character or purpose; steadfastness.

    3. Reliability; dependability.

  2. The ability of an object, such as a ship or aircraft, to maintain equilibrium or resume its original, upright position after displacement, as by the sea or strong winds.

  3. Roman Catholic Church A vow committing a Benedictine monk to one monastery for life.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

stability 
c.1300, "resolute, firm, steadfast" (of persons), from O.Fr. stableté, from L. stabilitatem (nom. stabilitas) "firmness, steadfastness," from stabilis "steadfast, firm" (see stable (adj.)). In physical sense, "difficult to overthrow," it is recorded from 1426. Stabilize first attested 1861, originally of ships. Aeronautical stabilizer is attested from 1909.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sta·bil·i·ty
Pronunciation: st&-'bil-&t-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
: thequality, state, or degree of being stable stability> stability of a chemical compound or radioactive substance>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

stability sta·bil·i·ty (stə-bĭl'ĭ-tē)
n.
The condition of being stable or resistant to change.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see stability on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way