An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A combining form used in the names of devices that stabilize or make constant what is specified by the initial element, e.g. → cryostat; → thermostat.

Etymology (EN): From Gk. -states, from sta- stem of histanai
“to make stand,” histemi “put, place, weigh,” stasis “a standing still;” L. stare “to stand;” Pers.
ist “to stand; to be standing, “from istâdan “to stand;” Mid.Pers. êstâtan; O.Pers./Av. sta- “to stand, stand still; set;” Av. hištaiti; cf. Skt. sthâ- “to stand;” PIE base *sta- “to stand.”

Etymology (PE): Suffix -pâ, -pây present stem of pâyidan “to stand firm, to be constant, steady,” from Mid.Pers. pattây-, pattutan “to last, endure, stay.”