stable 1
— stablelike , adj.
/stay"beuhl/ , n. , v. , stabled, stabling .
n.
1. a building for the lodging and feeding of horses, cattle, etc.
2. such a building with stalls.
3. a collection of animals housed in such a building.
4. Horse Racing.
a. an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained.
b. the horses belonging to, or the persons connected with, such an establishment.
5. Informal.
a. a number of people, usually in the same profession, who are employed, trained, or represented by the same company, agency, manager, etc.: a comedy show with a large stable of writers.
b. the establishment that trains or manages such a group of people: two boxers from the same stable.
c. a collection of items produced by or belonging to an establishment, industry, profession, or the like: The American auto industry has some new small cars in its stable.
v.t.
6. to put or lodge in or as if in a stable.
v.i.
7. to live in or as if in a stable.
[ 1200-50; ME stable estable stabulum standing room, equiv. to sta-, s. of stare to STAND + -bulum n. suffix denoting place ]
Syn. 1. barn, mews.
stable 2
— stableness , n. — stably , adv.
/stay"beuhl/ , adj., stabler, stablest .
1. not likely to fall or give way, as a structure, support, foundation, etc.; firm; steady.
2. able or likely to continue or last; firmly established; enduring or permanent: a stable government.
3. resistant to sudden change or deterioration: A stable economy is the aim of every government.
4. steadfast; not wavering or changeable, as in character or purpose; dependable.
5. not subject to emotional instability or illness; sane; mentally sound.
6. Physics. having the ability to react to a disturbing force by maintaining or reestablishing position, form, etc.
7. Chem. not readily decomposing, as a compound; resisting molecular or chemical change.
8. (of a patient's condition) exhibiting no significant change.
[ 1225-75; ME estable stabilis STABILE ]
Syn. 1. fixed, strong, sturdy. 4. invariable, unvarying, staunch, constant, reliable, steady, solid.