Main Entry: ¹bal·ance

Pronunciation: \ˈba-lən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *bilancia, from Late Latin bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, from Latin bi- + lanc-, lanx plate

Date: 13th century

1 : an instrument for weighing: as a : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b : a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force
2 : a means of judging or deciding
3 : a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence
4 : an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece
5 a : stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b : equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account
6 a : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b : the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas
7 a : physical equilibrium b : the ability to retain one's balance
8 a : weight or force of one side in excess of another b : something left over : remainder c : an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account
9 : mental and emotional steadiness

— bal·anced \-lən(t)st\ adjective

— in the balance or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined <our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision>

— on balance : with all things considered <the meeting went well on balance>