stationary -
adj. 1 remaining in one place, not moving (hit a
stationary car).
2 not meant to be moved; not portable (
stationary troops;
stationary engine).
3 not changing in magnitude, number, quality, efficiency, etc. (
stationary temperature).
4 (of a
planet) having no apparent motion in longitude.
stationary air air remaining in the lungs during ordinary respiration. stationary bicycle a fixed exercise-machine resembling a bicycle. stationary point Math. a point on a curve where the gradient is zero. stationary wave = standing wave.
stationariness n. [ME f. L stationarius (as STATION)]
