stabilizer

[ stey-buh-lahy-zer ]

noun

1. a person or thing that stabilizes.
2. Aeronautics. a device for stabilizing an aircraft, as the fixed, horizontal tail surface on an airplane. Compare horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer.
3. Nautical.
   1. a mechanical device for counteracting the roll of a vessel, consisting of a pair of retractable fins so pivoted as to oppose a downward force with an upward one, and vice versa.
   2. a gyrostabilizer.
4. any of various substances added to foods, chemical compounds, etc., to prevent deterioration, the breaking down of an emulsion, or the loss of desirable properties.
5. any compound that, when included with an explosive, decreases the ability of the latter to decompose spontaneously.
6. a substance, as beeswax or aluminum stearate, added to a fast-drying oil paint to improve the dispersion of pigment.
7. a comparatively large shock absorber for motor vehicles.
8. Military.
   1. any of various devices or systems that keep a gun mounted on a moving ship, tank, or plane automatically aimed at its target.
   2. any of various mechanical devices, such as fins, or electronic systems that keep a shell, bomb, rocket, etc., aligned with its target.
9. Navy. any of various devices or systems used to keep a submarine or a torpedo at the proper depth or in the proper position.

stabilizer

/ ˈsteɪbɪˌlaɪzə /

noun

1. any device for stabilizing an aircraft See also horizontal stabilizer vertical stabilizer
2. a substance added to something to maintain it in a stable or unchanging state, such as an additive to food to preserve its texture during distribution and storage
3. nautical
   1. a system of one or more pairs of fins projecting from the hull of a ship and controllable to counteract roll
   2. See gyrostabilizer
4. either of a pair of brackets supporting a small wheel that can be fitted to the back wheel of a bicycle to help an inexperienced cyclist to maintain balance
5. an electronic device for producing a direct current supply of constant voltage
6. economics a measure, such as progressive taxation, interest-rate control, or unemployment benefit, used to restrict swings in prices, employment, production, etc, in a free economy
7. a person or thing that stabilizes

Word History and Origins

Origin of stabilizer¹

First recorded in 1905–10; stabilize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The image was marred by interference, but Romeo thought he could make out twin vertical stabilizers on the tail.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, some other mood stabilizers may interact with oral contraceptives and make them less effective.

From Salon

Heinz’s version swaps eggs and pecorino cheese for a laundry list of chemical preservatives that mimic the original flavors, including maltodextrin and stabilizers.

From Salon

However, these "clean" shampoos separate and spoil faster than those made with synthetic stabilizers and preservatives.

From Science Daily

He could even make out what he thought were the twin vertical stabilizers on the tail.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mediator
• referee