Main Entry: bal·ance

Pronunciation: \ˈbal-ən(t)s\

Function: noun

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