First Known Use: 1608
Dictionary
equilibrium
noun equi·lib·ri·um \ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm, ˌe-\
: a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other
: a state of emotional balance or calmness
plural equi·lib·ri·ums or equi·lib·ria\-brē-ə\
Full Definition of EQUILIBRIUM
1
a : a state of intellectual or emotional balance : poise <trying to recover his equilibrium> b : a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements
2
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)
3
: balance 6a
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Origin of EQUILIBRIUM
Latin aequilibrium, from aequilibris being in equilibrium, from aequi- + libra weight, balance
Related to EQUILIBRIUM
- Synonyms
- counterpoise, equilibration, balance, equipoise, poise, stasis
- Antonyms
- disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance
Other Physics Terms
EQUILIBRIUM Defined for Kids
equilibrium
noun equi·lib·ri·um \ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm, ˌe-kwə-\
Definition of EQUILIBRIUM for Kids
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2
: the normal balanced state of the body that is maintained by the inner ear and that keeps a person or animal from falling
Medical Dictionary
equilibrium
noun equi·lib·ri·um \ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm, ˌek-wə-\
plural equi·lib·ri·ums or equi·lib·ria \-rē-ə\
Medical Definition of EQUILIBRIUM
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the velocities in both directions are equal)
2
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance
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