stable

sta|ble1 [ `steıbl ] adjective **

1. ) not changing frequently and not likely to suddenly become worse:

People have become accustomed to a stable economic situation.

The marine environment is relatively stable.

Children benefit from stable relationships within the family unit.

a ) if a seriously ill or injured person is stable, their condition is not getting worse:

Tonight the baby is in a critical but stable condition in the hospital.

2. ) not likely to fall or move in the wrong way:

The suspension still keeps the car stable when making a turn.

The tent is extremely stable even in very high winds.

3. ) with a healthy mental and emotional state: BALANCED:

I have got two very stable teenaged children.

4. ) SCIENCE staying in the same state:

Solvents should be chosen that are chemically stable.

─ opposite UNSTABLE

stable

sta|ble 2 [ `steıbl ] noun count **

1. ) a building where horses or farm animals are kept

a ) stables plural a business where horses are trained for races and competitions

2. ) MAINLY JOURNALISM a group of people such as artists or sports players whose careers are managed by the same people:

Her stable of authors included Julian Green, Eudora Welty, and Ken Kesey.

a ) a group of products or companies that are produced or owned by the same company:

the owner of a stable of media companies

stable

sta|ble 3 [ `steıbl ] verb transitive

1. ) to keep horses in a particular set of stables

2. ) to look after a horse after it has been ridden, and put it in a stable