stabilization

American  

[stey-buh-li-zey-shuhn] / ˌsteɪ bə lɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of stabilizing or the state of being stabilized.

2. Also called stabilization process.  Photography. a process for making temporary black-and-white prints using special sensitized paper stabilization paper that can be rapidly processed through one or two solutions that quickly develop and stabilize the nonpermanent image.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• restabilization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stabilization

First recorded in 1920–25; stabilize + -ation

Explanation

If you're seasick on a rocking boat, you're probably wishing for a little stabilization, or steadying. Stabilization is often used in describing volatile things, like economic markets, unstable governments, or structures or buildings that have been disturbed by a natural disaster, like an earthquake. For example, in order for stabilization to occur in a developing country, the political and military powers need to be in agreement. In a less serious realm, a house of cards might also need stabilization!