adj. & n.
--adj.
1. stationary; not acting or changing; passive.
2 Physics a concerned with bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium (opp. DYNAMIC). b acting as weight but not moving (static pressure). c of statics.
--n.
1. static electricity.
2 atmospherics.
Phrases and idioms:
static electricity electricity not flowing as a current. static line a length of cord attached to an aircraft etc. which releases a parachute without the use of a ripcord.
Etymology: mod.L staticus f. Gk statikos f. sta- stand