stable: Meaning and Definition of

sta•ble

Pronunciation: (stā'bul), [key]
— n., v., -bled, -bling.
—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.
    1. an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained.
    2. the horses belonging to, or the persons connected with, such an establishment.
  4. a comedy show with a large stable of writers.
    1. 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.
    2. the establishment that trains or manages such a group of people:two boxers from the same stable.
    3. 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.
  1. to put or lodge in or as if in a stable.
—v.i.
  1. to live in or as if in a stable.

sta•ble

Pronunciation: (stā'bul), [key]
— -bler, -blest.
  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. having the ability to react to a disturbing force by maintaining or reestablishing position, form, etc.
  7. not readily decomposing, as a compound; resisting molecular or chemical change.
  8. (of a patient's condition) exhibiting no significant change.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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