equilibrium

equi·lib·ri·um

noun \ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm, ˌe-\

plural equi·lib·ri·ums or equi·lib·ria\-brē-ə\

Definition of EQUILIBRIUM

1

a : a state of intellectual or emotional balance : poise <trying to recover his equilibrium> b : a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements

2

: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)

3

: balance 6a

Examples of EQUILIBRIUM

1. Supply and demand were in equilibrium.
2. <we must find an equilibrium between commercial development and conservation of our natural treasures>

Origin of EQUILIBRIUM

Latin aequilibrium, from aequilibris being in equilibrium, from aequi- + libra weight, balance

First Known Use: 1608

Related to EQUILIBRIUM

Synonyms: counterpoise, equilibration, balance, 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

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum