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

This causes some drag and turbulence problems even with the best aerodynamic design and is one reason why the empennage with the rudder and stabilizers are raised well away from the fuselage. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025

Could have been a runaway trim, malfunctioning stabilizer. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

Fast forward to 2025 and advanced camera gimbals and stabilizers are everywhere and very affordable. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The Neo's camera is mounted on a 2-axis gimbal and relies on digital stabilization to keep video steady during turns and banks, while the Flip's camera has a 3-axis stabilizer and doesn't require the digital boost for smooth recording. —PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025

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