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 force2: a means of judging or deciding3: a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence4: an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece5 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 account6 a: an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b: the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas7 a: physical equilibrium b: the ability to retain one's balance8 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 account9: 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>