n.
Pronunciation: ' st ā -b ə - ˌ l ī -z ə r
Function: noun
Date: circa 1909
: one that stabilizes something: as a : a substance added to another substance (as an explosive or plastic) or to a system (as an emulsion) to prevent or retard 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