Stationary \Sta"tion*a*ry\, a. [L. stationarius: cf. F.
stationnaire. Cf. Stationer.]
1. Not moving; not appearing to move; stable; fixed.
Charles Wesley, who is a more stationary man, does
not believe the story. --Southey.
2. Not improving or getting worse; not growing wiser,
greater, better, more excellent, or the contrary.
3. Appearing to be at rest, because moving in the line of
vision; not progressive or retrograde, as a planet.
Stationary air (Physiol.), the air which under ordinary
circumstances does not leave the lungs in respiration.
Stationary engine.
(a) A steam engine thet is permanently placed, in
distinction from a portable engine, locomotive, marine
engine, etc. Specifically:
(b) A factory engine, in distinction from a blowing,
pumping, or other kind of engine which is also
permanently placed.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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