stasis

noun

sta·sis | \ ˈstā-səs

, ˈsta-\

plural stases\ ˈstā-ˌsēz

, ˈsta- \

Definition of stasis

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a slowing or stoppage of the normal flow of a bodily fluid or semifluid: such as

a : slowing of the current of circulating blood

b : reduced motility of the intestines with retention of feces

2a : a state of static balance or equilibrium : stagnation

b : a state or period of stability during which little or no evolutionary change in a lineage occurs

-stasis

noun combining form

plural -stases

Definition of -stasis (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : stoppage : slowing hemostasis bacteriostasis

2 : stable state homeostasis

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about stasis

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Examples of stasis in a Sentence

Noun

The country is in economic stasis. His art was characterized by bursts of creativity followed by long periods of stasis.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The best hope for the Onge at Dugong Creek seems to be a handout-dependent stasis. — Alex Perry, Outside Online, "The Last Days of John Allen Chau," 24 July 2019 In 2017, after a period of political stasis and rancour between Sinn Féin and the D.U.P., the power-sharing institutions in Belfast collapsed. — Susan Mckay, The New Yorker, "The Incredible Life and Tragic Death of Lyra McKee," 26 July 2019 After weeks of stasis and then haggling, only in a debate starting on July 22nd will Mr Sánchez seek the approval of parliament to form a government. — The Economist, "Spain stumbles towards a government," 18 July 2019 The skittish rhythms of post-punk were perfect for conveying Richey’s lyrical manoeuvres between stasis and propulsion. — Longreads, "Manic Street Preachers’ Album The Holy Bible," 25 June 2019 After nearly two years of stasis, market watchers are watching whether the BOJ backs away from its monetary-easing policy. — Wsj Staff, WSJ, "Global Week Ahead: U.S., Japan and Brazil Policy Meetings," 29 July 2018 The year 2010 neared its end with the Middle East mired in stasis. — Charles Glass, Harper's magazine, "“Tell Me How This Ends”," 10 Feb. 2019 Phase separation enables the cells to turn a large part of their cytoplasm from a liquid to a solid — essentially putting themselves into a hardy condition of stasis until the nutrients return. — Quanta Magazine, "‘Lava-Lamp’ Proteins May Help Cells Cheat Death," 26 Nov. 2018 These rites speak of stasis and endings, happily ever after stretched over the rack of eternity. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, "People Are Still Getting Married, and This Book Is Here to Help," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stasis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.