adj.1 remaining in one place, not moving (hit a stationary car).
2 not meant to be moved; not portable (stationary troops; stationary engine).
3 not changing in magnitude, number, quality, efficiency, etc. (stationary temperature).
4 (of a planet) having no apparent motion in longitude.
Phrases and idioms:
stationary air air remaining in the lungs during ordinary respiration. stationary bicycle a fixed exercise-machine resembling a bicycle. stationary point Math. a point on a curve where the gradient is zero. stationary wave standing wave.
Derivatives:
stationariness n.
Etymology: ME f. L stationarius (as STATION)