Stabilizer: meaning, definitions and examples

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stabilizer

 

[ ˈsteɪbəlaɪzər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mechanical equipment

A stabilizer is a device or substance that is used to make something stable. It can refer to a mechanical device that prevents a ship or aircraft from rolling excessively in rough seas or turbulent air.

Synonyms

balancer, steady, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stabilizer

Typically used in a mechanical or technological context to refer to a device or mechanism that ensures stability or reduces fluctuation.

  • The airplane's stabilizer helps to keep it level during flight.
  • This camera comes with an in-built stabilizer for smoother video recording.
balancer

Commonly used in contexts discussing equilibrium, either physically or metaphorically. Often implies maintaining balance between competing forces or elements.

  • He is the balancer in their relationship, always calming things down when arguments arise.
  • The gymnast used a balancer bar to practice her routine.
steady

Often used to describe maintaining a consistent state without unexpected changes. It can refer to physical stability, financial stability, or emotional steadiness.

  • She kept her hand steady while pouring the hot coffee.
  • He has a steady job that pays well.
  • The boat remained steady despite the strong winds.
support

Typically refers to offering assistance, reinforcement, or validation, whether physically, emotionally, financially, or in other contexts.

  • The pillar provides support for the roof.
  • Her family gave her a lot of emotional support during her tough times.
  • The charity offers financial support to those in need.

Examples of usage

  • The ship's stabilizers helped to reduce the motion caused by the stormy weather.
  • The aircraft's automatic stabilizer system kept the plane steady during the turbulence.
Context #2 | Noun

chemical compound

In chemistry, a stabilizer is a substance added to a product to prevent decomposition, polymerization, or other chemical reactions.

Synonyms

antioxidant, preservative, protectant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stabilizer

Use in contexts where you need to maintain or restore stability, often in chemical reactions or mechanical systems.

  • Adding a stabilizer to the mixture ensures the product won't degrade over time
  • The aircraft's stabilizer maintained its balance during turbulence
preservative

Use primarily in food-related contexts where extending shelf life or preventing spoilage is the goal. It can have a negative connotation due to health concerns.

  • This snack has no artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option
  • Preservatives in packaged foods help keep them fresh for longer
protectant

Use when talking about substances that provide protection, often used in the context of surfaces or materials needing shielding from environmental factors.

  • Apply this protectant to the wood to prevent water damage
  • The sunscreen acts as a protectant against UV rays
antioxidant

Use in contexts involving the prevention of oxidation or protection against free radicals, often related to food, health, and beauty products.

  • Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage
  • The cream contains antioxidants to prevent skin aging

Examples of usage

  • The food industry uses stabilizers in ice cream to prevent crystallization.
  • UV stabilizers are added to plastics to prevent degradation from sunlight.
Context #3 | Noun

electronics

In electronics, a stabilizer is a device that regulates the voltage or current to a constant value.

Synonyms

controller, regulator, stabilization unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stabilizer

Used to describe something that makes a system or object stable and less likely to change suddenly. Often found in engineering, electronics, and medicine.

  • The medication acted as a mood stabilizer for her.
  • A new stabilizer was installed to prevent the machine from shaking.
regulator

Often used for devices or authorities that ensure a process or activity is carried out correctly and adhere to standards. Found in areas such as government, finance, and engineering.

  • The government regulator imposed new rules on the industry.
  • A voltage regulator was added to protect the circuit from power surges.
controller

Refers to a device or person that directs and manages the operation of a system or process. Commonly used in automation, business, and gaming.

  • The game console comes with a wireless controller.
  • The project manager acted as the controller, ensuring all tasks were completed on time.
stabilization unit

Typically refers to equipment or a function within a system designed specifically to maintain stability. Commonly used in medical and industrial contexts.

  • The patient was moved to a stabilization unit to monitor his condition.
  • The factory installed a new stabilization unit to improve production efficiency.

Examples of usage

  • A voltage stabilizer protects electronic devices from power fluctuations.
  • The stabilizer circuit in the amplifier ensures a consistent output.

Translations

Translations of the word "stabilizer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estabilizador

🇮🇳 स्थिरकारक

🇩🇪 Stabilisator

🇮🇩 penstabil

🇺🇦 стабілізатор

🇵🇱 stabilizator

🇯🇵 安定剤

🇫🇷 stabilisateur

🇪🇸 estabilizador

🇹🇷 dengeliştirici

🇰🇷 안정제

🇸🇦 مُثَبِّت

🇨🇿 stabilizátor

🇸🇰 stabilizátor

🇨🇳 稳定器

🇸🇮 stabilizator

🇮🇸 stöðugleiki

🇰🇿 тұрақтандырғыш

🇬🇪 სტაბილიზატორი

🇦🇿 stabilizator

🇲🇽 estabilizador

Etymology

The word 'stabilizer' originated from the verb 'stabilize,' which comes from the Latin word 'stabilis' meaning 'firm' or 'steady.' The concept of stabilization has been crucial in various fields such as mechanics, chemistry, and electronics, leading to the development of stabilizing devices and substances to ensure stability and control. Over time, 'stabilizer' has become a widely used term to describe anything that maintains equilibrium or prevents unwanted changes.

See also: destabilize, stabilization, stabilizing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,811, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.