balance

bal•ance

[[t]ˈbæl əns[/t]] n. v. -anced, -anc•ing

1) a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc

2) something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise

3) the ability to maintain bodily equilibrium

4) mental or emotional steadiness

5) wam an instrument for determining weight, typically by the equilibrium of a bar, from each end of which is suspended a scale or pan

6) the remainder or rest

7) the power or ability to decide an outcome

8) bus

a) equality between the totals of the two sides of an account

b) the difference between the debit total and the credit total of an account

c) unpaid difference represented by the excess of debits over credits

9) preponderant weight:

The balance of the blame is on your side[/ex]

10) fia lit. the harmonious integration of components in an artistic work

11) hor a wheel that oscillates against the tension of a hairspring to regulate the beats of a watch or clock

12) astrol. (cap.)

Libra

13) hfi (in a stereophonic sound system) the comparative loudness of two speakers

14) to bring to or hold in equilibrium; poise:

to balance a book on one's head[/ex]

15) to arrange or adjust the parts of symmetrically

16) to be equal or proportionate to

17) bus to add up the two sides of (an account) and determine the difference

18) to weighin a balance

19) to estimate the relative weight or importance of

20) to serve as a counterpoise to

21) cvb to have an equality or equivalence; be in equilibrium

22) bus to be in a state wherein debits equal credits

•

- in the balance on balance

Etymology: 1250–1300; < AF; OF < VL *balancia, for *bilancia < LL bilanx with double scales < L bi- bi-+lanx metal dish bal′ance•a•ble, adj. syn: See symmetry