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stable1
—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 < OF estable < L stabulum standing room, equiv. to sta-, s. of stare to STAND + -bulum n. suffix denoting place]Syn. 1. barn, mews.stable2—stableness, n. —stably, adv.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 < OF estable < L stabilis STABILE]Syn. 1. fixed, strong, sturdy. 4. invariable, unvarying, staunch, constant, reliable, steady, solid.
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Universalium. 2010.
