stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

plural stabilizers

: one that stabilizes something: such as

a

: a substance added to another substance (such as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (such as an emulsion) to prevent or delay an unwanted alteration of physical state

b

: a gyroscope device to keep ships steady in a heavy sea

c

: an airfoil providing stability for an airplane

specifically : the fixed horizontal member of the tail assembly see airplane illustration

Examples of stabilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Insta 360 claims the Flow 2 Pro will set a new benchmark for smartphone filmmaking with stabilizers. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Eye drops: Choose eye drops containing an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer like Pataday (olopatadine) or Zaditor (ketotifen ophthalmic). —Daniel More, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

By eliminating vertical stabilizers, the aircraft relies on advanced fly-by-wire computer systems for control. —New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024

The world needs both dreamers and executors, risk-takers and stabilizers, startup pioneers and corporate innovators. —Bhanu Jagasia, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one (as a chemical or a device) that stabilizes something

especially : a fixed surface for stabilizing the motion of an airplane

Medical Definition

stabilizer

noun

sta·​bi·​liz·​er

variants also British stabiliser

ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər 

: one that stabilizes something

especially : a substance added to another substance or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard an unwanted alteration of physical state