I. ˈba-lən(t)s noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin * bilancia, from Late Latin bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, from Latin bi- + lanc-, lanx plate
Date: 13th century
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
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 especially on the credit side of an account
9. : mental and emotional steadiness
• bal·anced -lən(t)st adjective
•
- in the balance
- on balance
II. verb
( bal·anced ; bal·anc·ing )
Date: 1588
transitive verb
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
balance 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
intransitive verb
1. : to become balanced or established in balance
2. : to be an equal counterpoise
3. : waver 1
balance s and temporizes on matters that demand action