The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

stator \sta"tor\ (st[=a]"t[~e]r; st[a^]t"[~e]r), n. (Mach.)
   A stationary part in or about which another part (the rotor)
   revolves, esp. when both are large; as,
   (a) (Elec.) The stationary member of an electrical machine,
       as of an induction motor.
   (b) (Steam Turbine) The case inclosing a turbine wheel; the
       body of stationary blades or nozzles.
       [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

stator
    n 1: mechanical device consisting of the stationary part of a
         motor or generator in or around which the rotor revolves
         [syn: stator, stator coil] [ant: rotor, rotor coil]