1. adj. (stabler, stablest)
1. firmly fixed or established; not easily adjusted, destroyed, or altered (a stable structure; a stable government).
2 firm, resolute; not wavering or fickle (a stable and steadfast friend).
3 Chem. (of a compound) not readily decomposing.
4 Physics (of an isotope) not subject to radioactive decay.
Phrases and idioms:
stable equilibrium a state in which a body when disturbed tends to return to equilibrium.
Derivatives:
stableness n. stably adv.
Etymology: ME f. AF stable, OF estable f. L stabilis f. stare stand 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. a building set apart and adapted for keeping horses.
2 an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained.
3 the racehorses of a particular stable.
4 persons, products, etc., having a common origin or affiliation.
5 such an origin or affiliation.
--v.tr. put or keep (a horse) in a stable.
Phrases and idioms:
stable-boy a boy employed in a stable. stable-companion (or -mate)
1. a horse of the same stable.
2 a member of the same organization. stable-girl a girl employed in a stable. stable-lad a person employed in a stable.
Derivatives:
stableful n. (pl. -fuls).
Etymology: ME f. OF estable f. L stabulum f. stare stand