a person or thing that stabilizes.

Aeronautics . a device for stabilizing an aircraft, as the fixed, horizontal tail surface on an airplane. Compare horizontal stabilizer , vertical stabilizer .

Nautical .

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.

a gyrostabilizer.

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.

any compound that, when included with an explosive, decreases the ability of the latter to decompose spontaneously.

a substance, as beeswax or aluminum stearate, added to a fast-drying oil paint to improve the dispersion of pigment.

a comparatively large shock absorber for motor vehicles.

Military .

any of various devices or systems that keep a gun mounted on a moving ship, tank, or plane automatically aimed at its target.

any of various mechanical devices, such as fins, or electronic systems that keep a shell, bomb, rocket, etc., aligned with its target.

Navy . any of various devices or systems used to keep a submarine or a torpedo at the proper depth or in the proper position.

noun

airfoil , balance , ballast , gyro