balance

¹bal·ance

noun \ˈba-lən(t)s\

Definition of BALANCE

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>

Examples of BALANCE

1. She had trouble keeping her balance as the boat rocked back and forth.
2. The skater suddenly lost his balance and fell.
3. Another skater bumped into him and knocked him off balance.
4. Gymnasts need flexibility and balance.
5. She has a good sense of balance.
6. To provide balance in her news story, she interviewed members of both political parties.
7. Temperature changes could upset the delicate balance of life in the forest.
8. To lose weight you need the proper balance of diet and exercise.
9. The food had a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
10. It's important to keep your life in balance.

Origin of BALANCE

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to BALANCE

Synonyms

counterpoise, equilibration, equilibrium, equipoise, poise, stasis

Antonyms

disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance

Related Words

counterbalance, offset; firmness, fixedness, security, stability, steadiness

Near Antonyms

changeability, fluctuation, inconstancy, insecurity, instability, mutability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness, volatility

²balance

verb

bal·anced bal·anc·ing

Definition of BALANCE

transitive verb

1

a (1) : to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account) (2) : to pay the amount due on : settle

b (1) : to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another <balance a mathematical equation> (2) : to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side

2

a : counterbalance, offset

b : to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportion

3

: to weigh in or as if in a balance

4

a : to bring to a state or position of equipoise

b : to poise in or as if in balance

c : to bring into harmony or proportion

intransitive verb

1

: to become balanced or established in balance

2

: to be an equal counterpoise

3

: waver 1 <balances and temporizes on matters that demand action>

Examples of BALANCE

1. I find it difficult to balance on one foot.
2. He had trouble balancing on his skis.
3. He helped his daughter balance on her bicycle before she started peddling.
4. The legislature is still trying to balance the state's budget.
5. He balances his checkbook every month.
6. Something's wrong: the books don't balance.

First Known Use of BALANCE

1588

Related to BALANCE

Synonyms

equalize, equate, even, level

Antonyms

dive (in), plunge (in)

Related Words

equilibrate, equipoise; accommodate, adjust, compensate, fit; counterbalance; homogenize, normalize, regularize, standardize; democratize

Near Antonyms

disequilibrate

bal·ance

noun \ˈbal-ən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BALANCE

1

: an instrument for weighing

2

: mental and emotional steadiness

3

a : the relation in physiology between the intake of a particular nutrient and its excretion—used with positive when the nutrient is in excess of the bodily metabolic requirement and with negative when dietary inadequacy and withdrawal of bodily reserves is present; see nitrogen balance, water balance b : the maintenance (as in laboratory cultures) of a population at about the same condition and level

balance

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Instrument for comparing the weights of two bodies, usually for scientific purposes, to determine the difference in mass. The equal-arm balance dates back to the ancient Egyptians, possibly as early as 5000 BC. By the early 20th century, it had been developed into an exquisitely precise measuring device. Electronic balances today depend on electrical compensation rather than mechanical deflection. The ultramicrobalance is any weighing device that serves to determine the weight of even smaller samples than can be weighed with the microbalance (which can weigh samples as small as a few milligrams), that is, total amounts as small as a few micrograms.