An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A stopping place for trains or other land vehicles, for the transfer of freight or passengers. → space station.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. station, from L. stationem (nominative statio) “a standing, job, position,” related to stare “to stand,” cognate with Pers. istâdan “to stand,” as below.

Etymology (PE): Istgâh “standing place,” from ist present stem of 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”) + gâh “place; time” (Mid.Pers. gâh, gâs “time;” O.Pers. gāθu-; Av. gātav-, gātu- “place, throne, spot;” cf. Skt. gâtu- “going, motion; free space for moving; place of abode;” PIE *gwem- “to go, come”).