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stationary

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.

(Science: physiology) Stationary air, the air which under ordinary circumstances does not leave the lungs in respiration. Stationary engine. A steam engine thet is permanently placed, in distinction from a portable engine, locomotive, marine engine, etc. Specifically: A factory engine, in distinction from a blowing, pumping, or other kind of engine which is also permanently placed.

Origin: L. Stationarius: cf. F. Stationnaire. Cf. Stationer.