stationarya.[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 that 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.()n. One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.(Holland.)