| electrolysis | 1. <chemistry> The process where an electric current is passed through an electrolytic solution or other appropriate medium, causing a chemical reaction. Similar to what happens within a battery. 2. <procedure> The process where an electric current is used to destroy tumours. 3. <dermatology> The removal of unwanted body hair by electrocuting the hair roots with an electrified needle. Origin: Gr. Lysis = dissolution (05 Jan 1998) |
|---|---|
| stationary | 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. <physiology> Stationary air, the air which under ordinary circumstances does not leave the lungs in respiration. Stationary engine. A steam engine thet is permanently placed, in distinction from a portable engine, locomotive, marine engine, etc. Specifically: A factory engine, in distinction from a blowing, pumping, or other kind of engine which is also permanently placed. Origin: L. Stationarius: cf. F. Stationnaire. Cf. Stationer. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| stationary anchorage | Anchorage in which the resistance to the movement of one or more teeth comes from the resistance to bodily movement of the anchorage unit; a questionable concept since the selected teeth remain only relatively stable. (05 Mar 2000) |
| stationary cataract | A cataract that does not progress. (05 Mar 2000) |
| stationary phase | The plateau of the growth curve after log growth in a culture, duringwhich cellnumber remains constant. New cells are produced at the same rate as oldercells die. (09 Oct 1997) |