'Stable equilibrium' definitions:

Definition of 'Stable equilibrium'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]