Stable equilibrium

Stable Sta"ble (st[=a]"b'l), a. [OF. estable, F. stable, fr. L. stabilis, fr. stare to stand. See {Stand}, v. i. and cf. {Establish}.] 1. Firmly established; not easily moved, shaken, or overthrown; fixed; as, a stable government. [1913 Webster]

In this region of chance, . . . where nothing is stable. --Rogers. [1913 Webster]

2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as, a man of stable character. [1913 Webster]

And to her husband ever meek and stable. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3. Durable; not subject to overthrow or change; firm; as, a stable foundation; a stable position. [1913 Webster]

4. (Physics) So placed as to resist forces tending to cause motion; of such structure as to resist distortion or molecular or chemical disturbance; -- said of any body or substance. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{Stable equilibrium} (Mech.), the kind of equilibrium of a body so placed that if disturbed it returns to its former position, as in the case when the center of gravity is below the point or axis of support; -- opposed to {unstable equilibrium}, in which the body if disturbed does not tend to return to its former position, but to move farther away from it, as in the case of a body supported at a point below the center of gravity. Cf. {Neutral equilibrium}, under {Neutral}. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Fixed; steady; constant; abiding; strong; durable; firm. [1913 Webster]