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

One of those, tara gum, has been used safely for years as a thickening agent or stabilizer in human foods. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024

SteelSeries is upgrading its Hall effect switches, adding dampening foam, improving its switch stabilizers, and even factory lubricating each key in an effort to create a thockier sounding board. —Tom Warren, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024

Because of this, modifications to the keyboard (like adjusting the stabilizers or adding silencing foam) are both time-consuming and risky. —Henri Robbins, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2024

The extra-wide base, stabilizers, and anti-slip footprint stickers offer additional peace of mind that your toddler is safe from slips and falls. —Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 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