[bal.ance] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. (assumed) VL bilancia, fr. LL bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, fr. L bi- + lanc-, lanx plate] (13c) 1: an instrument for weighing: as a: a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b: a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force c cap: libra
2: a means of judging or deciding
3: a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence
4: an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece
5. a: stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis b: equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements c: equality between the totals of the two sides of an account
6. a: an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements b: the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas
7. a: physical equilibrium b: the ability to retain one's balance
8. a: weight or force of one side in excess of another b: something left over: remainder c: an amount in excess esp. on the credit side of an account 9: mental and emotional steadiness -- bal.anced adj -- in the balance or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined -- on balance : with all things considered
[2]balance vb bal.anced ; bal.anc.ing vt (1588) 1 a (1): to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account) (2): to pay the amount due on: settle b (1): to arrange so that one set of elements exactly equals another "~ a mathematical equation" (2): to complete (a chemical equation) so that the same number of atoms and electric charges of each kind appears on each side
2. a: counterbalance, offset b: to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportion
3: to weigh in or as if in a balance
4. a: to bring to a state or position of equipoise b: to poise in or as if in balance c: to bring into harmony or proportion ~ vi 1: to become balanced or established in balance
2: to be an equal counterpoise
3: waver 1 "~s and temporizes on matters that demand action"