stillstand

I. \\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun

1. : standstill

2.

a. : an act or instance of stillstanding

represent minor stillstands locally preserved in the general emergence of the area — W.G.V.Bolchin

b. : stability

fairly long periods of stillstand — C.A.Cotton

3. : an interval in the light cycle of a variable star when its brightness temporarily stops rising or falling and perhaps forms a secondary maximum or hump in the light curve

II. intransitive verb

: to remain stationary with respect to sea level or with reference to the center of the earth — used of a continent, island, or other land area