An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Physics: 1) Having the ability to react to a disturbing force by maintaining or regaining position or condition.
2) Incapable of becoming a different isotope or element by radioactive decay.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. estable, from L. stabilis “firm, steadfast,” literally “able to stand,” from stem of stare “to stand;” cognate with Pers. istâdan “to stand” (Mid.Pers. êstâtan; O.Pers./Av. sta- “to stand, stand still; set;” Av. hištaiti; cf. Skt. sthâ- “to stand;” Gk. histemi “put, place, weigh,” stasis “a standing still;” L. stare “to stand;” Lith. statau “place;” Goth. standan; PIE base *sta- “to stand”).

Etymology (PE): Pâydâr “stable, firm” literally “having feet,” from pâ(y) “foot; step” (Mid.Pers. pâd, pây; Av. pad- “foot;” cf. Skt. pat; Gk. pos, genitive podos; L. pes, genitive pedis; P.Gmc. *fot; E. foot; Ger. Fuss; Fr. pied; PIE *pod-/*ped-) + dâr present stem of dâštan “to have, hold, maintain, possess” (Mid.Pers. dâštan; O.Pers./Av. root dar- “to hold, keep back, maintain, keep in mind;” cf.
Skt. dhr-, dharma- “law;”
Gk. thronos “elevated seat, throne;” L. firmus “firm, stable;” Lith. daryti “to make;” PIE *dher- “to hold, support”).