stasis

Stasis is a term used to describe a state in which there is little or no change or movement. The word derives from the Greek στάσις (stasis), meaning standing still. In general usage it can refer to a condition of equilibrium, or to a period during which a process slows or halts.

In biology and medicine, stasis is often linked to the concept of homeostasis—the body's regulation of its internal environment to maintain stability. In medical contexts, stasis can describe slowed or obstructed flow, such as venous stasis, where blood flow in veins is reduced and the risk of clotting increases. The term also appears in dermatology, with conditions like venous stasis dermatitis and stasis ulcers, and in other organ systems where circulation or drainage is impaired.

In science and engineering, stasis is sometimes used to denote a static or nonchanging condition, often contrasted with dynamic processes. In practice, fields more frequently use terms such as equilibrium, steady state, or balance to describe situations where rates of opposing processes are equal.

In culture and technology, stasis is a common trope referring to suspended animation or life-support methods that pause biological processes. In science fiction, stasis fields or cryonics are depicted as ways to halt aging or preserve individuals for future revival. Real-world discussions of stasis often appear in contexts such as aging, space travel, medical preservation, and emergency medicine.

See also: homeostasis, equilibrium, stagnation, cryonics, steady state.