balance
Cross references:
1. compensate
1. bal.ance \'bal-*n(t)s\ n [ME, fr. OF, fr. (assumed) VL bilancia, fr. LL
bilanc-, bilanxX having two scalepans, fr. L bi- + lanc-, lanx plate; akin
to OE eln ell - more at ELL 1: an instrument for weighing; esp : a beam
that is supported freel y in the center and has two pans of equal weight
suspended from its ends 2: a means of judging or deciding 3: a
counterbalancing weight, force, or influence 4: a vibrating wheel
operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement o f a timepiece 5a:
stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the v
ertical axis 5b: equipoise between two contrasting or opposing elements
5c: equality between the totals of the two sides of an account 6a: an
aesthetically pleasing integration of elements : HARMONY 6b: the
juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel constructions co
ntaining similar or contrasting ideas 7: physical equilibrium 8a: weight
or force of one side in excess of another 8b: something left over :
REMAINDER 8c: an amount in excess esp. on the credit side of an account
9: mental and emotional steadiness 10: the point on an object at which
forces balance
2. balance vt 1a1: to compute the difference between the debits and credits
of (an accou nt) 1a2: to pay the amount due on : SETTLE 1b: to arrange so
that one set of elements exactly equals another {~)R equations} 2a:
COUNTERBALANCE, OFFSET 2b: to equal or equalize in weight, number, or
proportion 3: to compare the weight of in or as if in a balance 4a: to
bring to a state or position of equipoise 4b: to poise in or as if in
balance 4c: to bring into harmony or proportion 1: to become balanced or
established in balance 2: to be an equal counterpoise 3: FLUCTUATE, WAVER
4: to move with a swaying or swinging motion