n. & v.
--n.
1. an apparatus for weighing, esp. one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.
2 a a counteracting weight or force. b (in full balance-wheel) the regulating device in a clock etc.
3 a an even distribution of weight or amount. b stability of body or mind (regained his balance).
4 a preponderating weight or amount (the balance of opinion).
5 a an agreement between or the difference between credits and debits in an account. b the difference between an amount due and an amount paid (will pay the balance next week). c an amount left over; the rest.
6 a Art harmony of design and proportion. b Mus. the relative volume of various sources of sound (bad balance between violins and trumpets).
7 (the Balance) the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra.
--v.
1. tr. (foll. by with, against) offset or compare (one thing) with another (must balance the advantages with the disadvantages).
2 tr. counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of.
3 a tr. bring into or keep in equilibrium (balanced a book on her head). b intr. be in equilibrium (balanced on one leg).
4 tr. (usu. as balanced adj.) establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in (a balanced diet; balanced opinion).
5 tr. weigh (arguments etc.) against each other.
6 a tr. compare and esp. equalize debits and credits of (an account). b intr. (of an account) have credits and debits equal.
Phrases and idioms:
balance of payments the difference in value between payments into and out of a country. balance of power
1. a situation in which the chief States of the world have roughly equal power.
2 the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength. balance of trade the difference in value between imports and exports. balance sheet a statement giving the balance of an account. in the balance uncertain; at a critical stage. on balance all things considered. strike a balance choose a moderate course or compromise.
Derivatives:
balanceable adj. balancer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF, ult. f. LL (libra) bilanx bilancis two-scaled (balance)