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

Bipolar disorder usually worsens without treatment but can be managed with mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medicines, and talk therapy. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 2 June 2024

All modern cruise ships have stabilizers, which act as a counterbalance to keep the vessel from rolling from side to side. —Megan Dubois, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2024

Making a vaccine involves purifying raw ingredients; formulating and adding stabilizers, preservatives, and adjuvants (substances that increase the immune response); and packaging doses into vials or syringes. —Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 27 July 2020

Curran developed a mass spectrometry technique that analyzes all the volatile molecules rising off plastic objects to pinpoint the additives and stabilizers breaking down in a plastic. —Sarah Everts, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2016

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