stable

(stāˈbəl)

1. a. Resistant to change of position or condition; not easily moved or disturbed: a house built on stable ground; a stable platform.
   b. Not subject to sudden or extreme change or fluctuation: a stable economy; a stable currency.
   c. Maintaining equilibrium; self-restoring: a stable aircraft.
2. Enduring or permanent: a stable peace.
3. a. Consistently dependable; steadfast of purpose.
   b. Not subject to mental illness or irrationality: a stable personality.
4. Physics Having no known mode of decay; indefinitely long-lived. Used of atomic particles.
5. Chemistry Not easily decomposed or otherwise modified chemically.

Related Forms:

• staˈble·ness noun

• staˈbly adverb

(stāˈbəl)

1. a. A building for the shelter and feeding of domestic animals, especially horses and cattle.
   b. A group of animals lodged in such a building.
2. a. All the racehorses belonging to a single owner or racing establishment. See Synonyms at flock¹.
   b. The personnel employed to keep and train such a group of racehorses.
3. A group, as of athletes or entertainers, under common management: a stable of prizefighters.