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

Biden eked out an electoral college victory, having campaigned as a moderate, a stabilizer. —Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

The maintenance workers found that parts inside the tail were damaged, including the metal support bracket and the vertical stabilizer ribs above and below where the standby rudder power control unit is. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 10 July 2024

If one part of your portfolio takes a hit, other areas may serve as stabilizers. —John Jennings, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

Fixed signs are the stabilizers and unwavering forces of the zodiac. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Oct. 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