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.
© Webster 1913.
Sta"tion*a*ry (?), n.; pl. -ries ().
One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Holland.
© Webster 1913.