n. An instrument for determining the weight of bodies as compared with an assumed unit-mass.n. Any apparatus for weighing, as a steelyard or a spring-balance.n. One of the scales of a balance; in the plural, scales.n. The act of weighing mentally; the act of comparing or estimating two things as in a balance.n. An equivalent or equalizing weight; that which is put into one scale to offset the weight in the other; the weight necessary to make up the difference between two unequal weights; a counterpoise, literally or figuratively. Specificallyn. In mining, a counterpoise or counterweight used in such a way as to assist the engine in lifting the load.n. The part of a clock or watch which regulates the beats: formerly, a pin oscillating on its center, and thus resembling the beam of a balance; now, a wheel. See balance-wheel.n. The arithmetical difference between the two sides of an account: as, to strike a balance.n. The sum or amount necessary to balance the two sides of an account, usually spoken of as a debit or a credit balance: as, I have still a balance at my banker's; a balance still due.n. A surplus; a remainder; the rest; the residue; what remains or is left over: as, he bequeathed the balance of his estate to A. B.; the balance of a meal.n. A balanced condition; a state of equilibrium or equipoise: as, to lose one's balance.n. Harmonious arrangement or adjustment; just proportion, especially in the arts of design.n. In astronomy, a sign of the zodiac, called in Latin Libra, which the sun enters at the equinox in September.n. a weighing apparatus somewhat resembling the steelyard, but differing from it in having the fulcrum movable, the weight being at one end and the load at the other; the loop by which it is suspended is shifted along the beam until equilibrium is established. The weight of the substance in the scale-pan is indicated by the point at which the fulcrum is placed when the instrument is in equilibrium.To weigh; especially, to weigh or consider in the mind; ponder over.To estimate the relative weight or importance of, as two or more things; make a comparison between as to relative importance, force, value, etc.To bring into a state of equipoise or equilibrium; arrange or adjust (the several parts of a thing) symmetrically: as, to balance the several parts of a machine or a painting.To keep in equilibrium or equipoise; poise; steady: as, to balance a pole on one's chin.To serve as a counterpoise to; counterbalance; offset: as, the ups and downs of life balance each other.To bring into a state of equality; make equal; offset (one thing with another).To use as a counterpoise or set-off.To sway up and down, like the arms of a balance.To settle by paying what remains due on an account; equalize or adjust.To examine or compare by summations, etc., so as to show how assets and liabilities or debits and credits stand: as, let us balance our accounts.Nautical, to steady (a ship in bad weather) by reefing with a balance-reef.To have an equality or equivalence in weight, parts, etc.; be in a state of equipoise; be evenly adjusted: as, the two things exactly balance; I cannot make the account balance.To oscillate like the beams of a balance; waver; hesitate.In dancing, to move forward and backward, or in opposite directions, like the arms of a balance; especially, to set to a partner.To be employed in finding the balance or balances of an account or accounts.n. In engines, a condition in which the forces at play due to the masses of the moving mechanism are balanced by others which operate in a contrary sense, so that the engine has no tendency to lift or slide upon its foundation, but would run without jar even if not secured to such foundation.
