Stā'di-ām, n.

(Synop., § 130), n.; pl. STĀ'DI-Ā. [Lat., from Gr. στάδιον, strictly, that which stands fast, hence, a fixed standard of length, from στάδιος, standing, fast and firm, from ἵστημι, to stand; It. stadio, Sp. & Pg. estadio, Pr. staidi, estadi, Fr. stade.]

1. A Greek measure of length, being the chief one used for itinerary distances, also adapted by the Romans for nautical and astronomical measurements. It was equal to 600 Greek or 625 Roman feet, or 125 Roman paces, or to 606 feet 9 inches English. This was also called the Olympic stadium, as being the exact length of the foot-race course at Olympia. W. Smith.
2. (Med.) A stage or period of a disease.