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

In search of quantum advantage — the ability of a quantum computer to outperform classical computers on certain tasks — physicists began to look for entangled states that differed as much as possible from stabilizer states. —Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025

Fueling a digital future After the fall, the robot was immediately removed from the stage so engineers could inspect its sensors and internal stabilizers. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025

White leather is also given the texture of pottery, and the mustaches, lining and heel stabilizers are mismatched in black and cream. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025

According to the recall report, the axle stabilizer bracket bolts may crack and break, allowing the bracket to detach from the vehicle, which can create a road hazard for other vehicles and increases the risk of a crash. —James Powel, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stabilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer

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