equilibrium

noun

equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio) ˌe- How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
plural equilibriums or equilibria ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
ˌe-
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

Did you know?

Equilibrium contains a root from the Latin libra, meaning "weight" or "balance". As a constellation, zodiac symbol, and astrological sign, Libra is usually pictured as a set of balance scales, often held by the blindfolded goddess of justice, which symbolizes fairness, equality, and justice. Equilibrium has special meanings in biology, chemistry, physics, and economics, but in all of them it refers to the balance of competing influences.

Examples of equilibrium in a Sentence

Supply and demand were in equilibrium. we must find an equilibrium between commercial development and conservation of our natural treasures
Recent Examples on the Web Quek says this year’s price decreases are largely a return to pre-pandemic equilibrium rather than an extraordinary drop in prices. Sally French Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 Build a Support System: Cultivate a robust support network, including mentors, peers and friends, to provide an external perspective and help maintain a healthy equilibrium. Drew Silverstein, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2024 So, dry air pulls moisture from your skin in an attempt to reach equilibrium. USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2024 Human resources: The employment environment has found some equilibrium. Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2024 But Bank of America predicts that the two forces, with the help of a push from the Fed, will reach equilibrium in 2025. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 21 Feb. 2024 In medicine, the value of mending lies in reaching a new physical equilibrium after each healing intervention. Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 Even the base coaches are at equilibrium, with Matt Williams in the third-base box and Mark Hallberg at first. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2024 Jake investigates organized crime via an informal partnership with Hiroto Katagiri (Ken Watanabe), a policeman who doesn’t fight the yakuza so much as help preserve the equilibrium among their competing factions. Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'equilibrium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equilibrium was in 1608

Dictionary Entries Near equilibrium

Cite this Entry

“Equilibrium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equilibrium. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

equilibrium

noun
equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
ˌek-wə-
plural equilibriums or equilibria -rē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2
: the normal balanced state of the body of an animal that is maintained in relation to the forces (as gravity) acting on it and to things in the environment (as the surface on which life is lived) and that is sensed and checked by the inner ear of vertebrates including human beings
Etymology

from Latin aequilibrium "state of being in balance," from aequus "equal" and libra "weight, balance, scales" — related to deliberate, libra

Medical Definition

equilibrium

noun
equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio) ˌek-wə- How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
plural equilibriums or equilibria -rē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
1
: 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 velocities in both directions are equal)
2
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance

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