vertical stabilizer
1
5.9
- noun
- /ˈvɜrtɪkəl ˈsteɪbɪlaɪzər/
- Specialized
:
estabilizador vertical
- The airplane in picture #65 does not have a "C" shaped vertical stabilizer as does the Curtiss P-40.
- vertical stabilizer and rudder
Examples
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The design of the vertical stabilizer directly influences how well the airplane maintains its direction.
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Mr. Stoddard is right when he says that Curtis airframes had the C-shaped or rounded vertical stabilizer, as did the wingtips on the P-40 Warhawks.
Blog text (34) -
Frame #65 is an early P-51 Mustang identifiable by its vertical stabilizer.
Blog text (34) -
The plane in the picture has a squared-off vertical stabilizer and wingtips, a definite design feature of the famous P-51 Mustang airframe.
Blog text (34) -
The vertical stabilizer is essential for keeping the aircraft stable during flight.
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During the maintenance check, the technician inspected the vertical stabilizer for any signs of damage.
Synonyms
1
4.3
A flat upright part on an airplane tail that keeps the plane pointing straight
1
6.0
The upright fin on a plane's tail that keeps it pointed straight
1
5.4
A vertical fin at the back of an airplane that keeps it flying straight
How Stabilizing
- Specialized
1
5.9
- Specialized
1
6.7
- Specialized
15
6.2
- Specialized
13
8.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'vertical' (upright) modifies 'stabilizer' (a device or surface that stabilizes), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer an upright device or surface that provides stability. Although it's a technical aviation term, the adjective+noun structure and cross-linguistic parallels make the sense predictable from the constituents.
Etymology
Vertical stabilizer is a clear picture: vertical means 'upright' and a stabilizer is something that keeps things steady, so imagine an upright fin at the plane's tail that stops it from turning. That's why it means 'the tail part that helps the plane keep its direction'.