noun. A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless.

noun. A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.

noun. The power or means to decide.

noun. undefined

noun. A state of bodily equilibrium.

noun. The ability to maintain bodily equilibrium.

noun. A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

noun. An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

noun. The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.

noun. undefined

noun. Equality of totals in the debit and credit sides of an account.

noun. The difference between such totals, either on the credit or the debit side.

noun. Something that is left over; a remainder.

noun. Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of an equation.

noun. Equality with respect to the net number of reduced symbolic quantities on each side of an equation.

noun. A balance wheel.

intransitive verb. To determine the weight of (something) in a weighing device.

intransitive verb. To consider and compare or assess.

intransitive verb. To bring into or maintain in a state of equilibrium.

intransitive verb. To act as an equalizing weight or force to; counterbalance.

intransitive verb. undefined

intransitive verb. To compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account).

intransitive verb. To reconcile or equalize the sums of the debits and credits of (an account).

intransitive verb. To settle (an account, for example) by paying what is owed.

intransitive verb. To bring into or keep in equal or satisfying proportion or harmony.

intransitive verb. To bring (an equation) into balance.

intransitive verb. To move toward and then away from (a dance partner).

intransitive verb. To be in or come into equilibrium.

intransitive verb. To be equal or equivalent.

intransitive verb. To sway or waver as if losing or regaining equilibrium.

intransitive verb. To move toward and then away from a dance partner.

idiom. (in the balance) In an undetermined and often critical position.

idiom. (on balance) Taking everything into consideration; all in all.

noun. In engines, a condition in which the forces at play due to the masses of the moving mechanism are balanced by others which operate in a contrary sense, so that the engine has no tendency to lift or slide upon its foundation, but would run without jar even if not secured to such foundation.

noun. An instrument for determining the weight of bodies as compared with an assumed unit-mass.

noun. Any apparatus for weighing, as a steelyard or a spring-balance.

noun. One of the scales of a balance; in the plural, scales.

noun. The act of weighing mentally; the act of comparing or estimating two things as in a balance.

noun. An equivalent or equalizing weight; that which is put into one scale to offset the weight in the other; the weight necessary to make up the difference between two unequal weights; a counterpoise, literally or figuratively. Specifically

noun. In mining, a counterpoise or counterweight used in such a way as to assist the engine in lifting the load.

noun. The part of a clock or watch which regulates the beats: formerly, a pin oscillating on its center, and thus resembling the beam of a balance; now, a wheel. See balance-wheel.

noun. The arithmetical difference between the two sides of an account: as, to strike a balance.

noun. The sum or amount necessary to balance the two sides of an account, usually spoken of as a debit or a credit balance: as, I have still a balance at my banker's; a balance still due.

noun. A surplus; a remainder; the rest; the residue; what remains or is left over: as, he bequeathed the balance of his estate to A. B.; the balance of a meal.

noun. A balanced condition; a state of equilibrium or equipoise: as, to lose one's balance.

noun. Harmonious arrangement or adjustment; just proportion, especially in the arts of design.

noun. In astronomy, a sign of the zodiac, called in Latin Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.

noun. a weighing apparatus somewhat resembling the steelyard, but differing from it in having the fulcrum movable, the weight being at one end and the load at the other; the loop by which it is suspended is shifted along the beam until equilibrium is established. The weight of the substance in the scale-pan is indicated by the point at which the fulcrum is placed when the instrument is in equilibrium.

To weigh; especially, to weigh or consider in the mind; ponder over.

To estimate the relative weight or importance of, as two or more things; make a comparison between as to relative importance, force, value, etc.

"But while an act of self-control can restore the proper temper and balance to the mind when it is in danger, _the best way is to keep it so that it will not go off the balance_."

actinic balance  automatic balance  automaton balance  aërostatic balance  balance of power  

balance out  balance the books  balanced  

account  arrangement  be  calculate  house  

imbalance  unbalance  

analysis  control  development  distribution  flow  

Swiss bank account  accommodate  accord  account  account current  

balance wheel  

balanced  balances  balancing