Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Stationary?

\Sta"tion*a*ry\, a. [L. stationarius: cf. F. stationnaire. Cf. {Stationer}.] 1. Not moving; not appearing to move; stable; fixed. Charles Wesley, who is a more stationary man, does not believe the story. --Southey. 2. Not improving or getting worse; not growing wiser, greater, better, more excellent, or the contrary. 3. Appearing to be at rest, because moving in the line of vision; not progressive or retrograde, as a planet. {Stationary air} (Physiol.), the air which under ordinary circumstances does not leave the lungs in respiration. {Stationary engine}. (a) A steam engine thet is permanently placed, in distinction from a portable engine, locomotive, marine engine, etc. Specifically: (b) A factory engine, in distinction from a blowing, pumping, or other kind of engine which is also permanently placed.
\Sta"tion*a*ry\, n.; pl. {-ries}. One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion. --Holland.