ˈbæləns 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. øbalance 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. øøbalanceable adj. balancer n. [ME f. OF, ult. f. LL (libra) bilanx bilancis two-scaled (balance)]
