stable1
adj.
(stabler, stablest)
- not likely to give way or overturn; firmly fixed.
- not likely to change or fail.
▸not deteriorating in health after an injury or operation.
▸emotionally well-balanced.
- not liable to undergo chemical decomposition or radioactive decay.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., from L. stabilis, from the base of stare ‘to stand’.
stable2
n.
- a building for housing horses.
- an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained.
- an establishment producing particular types of people or things.
v.
- put or keep (a horse) in a stable.
- put or base (a train) in a depot.
Phrase
- shut
(or bolt)
the stable door after the horse has bolted
Brit. try to prevent something undesirable when it is already too late to do so.
Derivative
- stableful n.
(pl. stablefuls)
.
Etymology
ME: shortening of OFr. estable ‘stable, pigsty’, from L. stabulum, from the base of stare ‘to stand’.