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

Other Physics Terms

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

equi·lib·ri·um

noun \ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm, ˌek-wə-\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; equi·lib·ri·umsor ; equi·lib·ria \-rē-ə\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of EQUILIBRIUM

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

equilibrium

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Condition in which the net force acting on a particle is zero. A body in equilibrium experiences no acceleration and, unless disturbed by an outside force, will remain in equilibrium indefinitely. A stable equilibrium is one in which small, externally induced displacements from that state produce forces that tend to oppose the displacement and return the body to equilibrium. An unstable equilibrium is one in which the least departures produce forces tending to increase the displacement. A brick lying on the floor is in stable equilibrium, while a ball bearing balanced on a knife-edge is in unstable equilibrium.