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stability - 6 dictionary results

sta⋅bil⋅i⋅ty

[stuh-bil-i-tee]
–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


6. steadiness, strength, soundness, poise, solidity, balance.
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.

Stability

Sta*bil"i*ty\, n. [L. stabilitas; cf. F. stabilit['e]. See Stable, a.]

1. The state or quality of being stable, or firm; steadiness; firmness; strength to stand without being moved or overthrown; as, the stability of a structure; the stability of a throne or a constitution.

2. Steadiness or firmness of character, firmness of resolution or purpose; the quality opposite to fickleness, irresolution, or inconstancy; constancy; steadfastness; as, a man of little stability, or of unusual stability.

3. Fixedness; -- as opposed to fluidity.

Since fluidness and stability are contary qualities. --Boyle.

Syn: Steadiness; stableness; constancy; immovability; firmness.
Language Translation for : stability
Italian: stabilità,
German: die Stabilität,
Japanese: 安定

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.

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>

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

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