stable equilibrium

1 definition found

stable equilibrium - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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              In this region of chance, . . . where nothing is
              stable.                               --Rogers.
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     2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not
        easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering;
        as, a man of stable character.
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              And to her husband ever meek and stable. --Chaucer.
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     3. Durable; not subject to overthrow or change; firm; as, a
        stable foundation; a stable position.
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     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.
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     Syn: Fixed; steady; constant; abiding; strong; durable; firm.
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