stasis
UK: ˈsteɪsɪs | US: ˈsteɪsɪs
n. a state of stability or equilibrium, especially in biological or medical contexts
n. a period of inactivity or stagnation
n. (literary) a standstill or cessation of movement
stasis = sta<stand> + sis<noun suffix indicating state>
- sta (from Greek histanai, meaning "to stand" or "to place")
- sis (a Greek-derived noun suffix indicating a state or condition, as in "analysis" or "crisis")
Etymology Origin:
The word "stasis" originates from Greek stasis (στάσις), meaning "a standing still" or "a posture." It combines sta- (root of "stand") with -sis (a suffix forming abstract nouns). The term was adopted into English in the 18th century, primarily in scientific contexts, to describe equilibrium (e.g., biological homeostasis) or political/ social stagnation. The core idea of "standing" persists metaphorically in modern usage, reflecting a lack of change or motion.
The patient's condition reached a point of stasis, with no improvement or decline.
Political stasis gripped the nation as opposing parties refused to compromise.
In biology, stasis refers to evolutionary periods with little morphological change.
The pond water was in stasis, undisturbed by wind or life.
His creative process hit stasis, leaving him unable to write for months.