stand

Stand is a term with multiple meanings across languages and disciplines. As a verb, it means to be in an upright position, to endure, or to tolerate. As a noun, stand can denote a supporting surface, a place to display or sell things, or a position taken on an issue. The intended meaning depends on context and collocations.

Physical stands include furniture or equipment used to hold items: a music stand for sheet music; a lamp stand; a camera or microphone stand; a book stand; and display stands or trade stands used to present goods at fairs or shops. A stand may also refer to a small, temporary shop, such as a fruit stand or snack stand.

In environmental science and forestry, a stand is a contiguous community of trees sufficiently uniform in composition, age, and structure to be treated as a unit. In transportation and venues, a stand can designate a parking or loading area for vehicles or equipment, such as an aircraft stand or a bus stand, though terminology varies by region.

In language and law, stand can express stance or position: "to stand on an issue" or "to stand for" an office or election. The phrase "to stand up for" means to defend or support, and "standby" describes a reserve state or a power-saving mode in devices.

In popular culture, Stand is the name of a fictional supernatural power in the manga and anime series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, where a Stand manifests as a stand-alone entity linked to its user and possessing unique abilities.