stato-, stat-, sta-, -static, -stasi, staso-, -stasis, -stasia, -stacy, -stitute, -stitution, -sist

A variable resistor used to adjust the current in an electrical circuit: Susan's ceiling lamp above her dining table used a rheostat, or dimmer switch, to regulate the brightness of the light produced, from very dim to very bright!

An opening or scissure present since birth: When little Susi was born, the schistasis under her nose had to be operated on so as to grow as normally as possible.

A telescopic instrument used for reflecting a star's light in an unvarying direction: The main part of a siderostat is a plane mirror which is rotated by the mechanism of a time piece in order to compensate for the earth's rotation.

Stop, traveler.

An inscription seen on many Roman tombstones.

1. The belief that one's self is the only object of real knowledge or the only thing that really exists: Solipsism is the philosophical idea that just the mind, and nothing else, is present, while everything else, the external world, is uncertain and cannot be verified.
2. The condition of self-centerdness or selfishness: Jane really wondered why some people believe in solipsism and act in such an egocentric and self-seeking way, and so inconsiderate of other people.

1. Either of the times when the sun is farthest from the equator, on or about June 21 or December 21: The summer solstice falls between May and July in the northern hemisphere, and in the southern hemisphere in December, and vice versa for the winter solstice.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the winter solstice is the shortest.
2. Either of the two points on the ecliptic when the sun reaches its northernmost or southernmost point relative to the celestial equator: When the solstice is at its position closest to the North Pole, the sun might shine the whole day if there aren't any clouds in the sky!

1. The state of something or someone in a firm or secure position: By leaning too far over, James lost his stability and fell over!
2. The condition of constancy; resistance to change: The stability of the environment is certainly in danger when mankind does not take care of the planet earth.
3. The adaptability of an aircraft to return to its initial flight path following an unintended movement: After the thermal uplift passed, the plane resumed its stability and resumed its course.
4. Dependability; reliability: Mary's stability towards her children was displayed by her responsibleness, dependability, and never-ending love, of course!

To stop changing, increasing, or getting worse: The U.S. government's efforts to stabilize many prices for food products have not been successful and have gone up and down considerably.

1. A device or a person that has a steadying effect: Judy learned that the airfoils on an airplane have stabilizers that keep it in an uninterrupted, unwavering, and consistent flight.
2. An added ingredient used in substances to keep them in an unalterable condition: Greg read on the back of the package of food, that stabilisers were used to ensure an unchangeable consistency up to a certain date.

1. A building in which domestic animals may be sheltered, fed, etc.: Mildred took her horse down to the stable after riding it for about an hour.
2. A group of athletes that is managed by one individual or organization: Jack, the manager of the boxing club, had a stable of five boxers whom he was training to fight professionally.
3. A group of people, usually individuals, who are managed or supervised by one person or organization: The art gallery had a stable of artists who presented their work for the public on a regular basis.

1. To put an animal into a stall or farm building: It was important for Lucy, the new owner of the pony, to stable it in a warm and cozy shelter with other horses.
2. To base a locomotive in a depot: The robbery at the shop took place rather close to the spot where the train had been stabled overnight.

1. Regarding a person or something impervious to change; unvarying; steady; not subject to insecurity: Sally was stable in her commitment to pursue her career goals.

Linda's mental health was now stable and she was encouraged to go back to work.
2. Referring to something which is not reacting chemically: The mixture in the test tube is stable and will not change when water is added.
3. Pertaining to something which is fastened, secure, and safe: Once the crew had snugged the barrels on the deck, they were stable and would not roll around in the storm.
4. Concerning a person who is well-balanced, sensible, and reasonable: Judy seemed to be very reliable, unwavering, and a stable individual and was chosen to be secretary in the committee on saving the environment.

1. Referring to how something or someone is unwavering and steady: The new statistics showed that the birth rate has been stably low for the past year.
2. Pertaining to how a thing is balanced or fixed: The big rock seemed to be stably situated at the edge of the crevice, but the group of hikers took another route instead.

1. A certain part or phase of an activity or process: Little Susi was 3 years old and at the stage of putting up a fuss each time her parents told her to go to bed in the evening.
2. The area where performers act or play: Grace was very nervous when she walked on to the stage to play her violin in a recital for the parents of the student soloists.
3. The production of theatrical drama in a theater: Mary thought her son was much too young to be acting regularly in plays and musicals on stage.
4. A section or part of a trip or course: The passengers on the ship entered the first stage of their trip after leaving the port in Bremerhaven.

1. To perform a drama or play: The high school students will stage or put on "My Fair Lady" the following week.
2. To present something in a misleading or deceiving way: The door-to-door salesman staged the new vacuum cleaner to make it seem to be better than all the others offered at the shops.
3. To organize an event and to take part in it: A parade was staged for the community every year at the beginning of spring.