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¹poise

verb \ˈpȯiz\

: to hold (something) in a balanced and steady position

poisedpois·ing

Full Definition of POISE

transitive verb

a : balance; especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium <carried a water jar poised on her head>

b : to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady position <poised her fork and gave her guest a knowing look — Louis Bromfield>

: to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way

: to put into readiness : brace

intransitive verb

: to become drawn up into readiness

: hover

See poise defined for English-language learners

See poise defined for kids

Origin of POISE

Middle English, to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare — more at pensive

First Known Use: 1598

Related to POISE

Synonyms: brace, forearm, nerve, fortify, psych (up), ready, steel, strengthen

Antonyms: settle, sink

Rhymes with POISE

hoise, noise, Noyes

²poise

noun

Definition of POISE

: a stably balanced state : equilibrium <a poise between widely divergent impulses — F. R. Leavis>

a : easy self-possessed assurance of manner : gracious tact in coping or handling; also : the pleasantly tranquil interaction between persons of poise <no angry outbursts marred the poise of the meeting>

b : a particular way of carrying oneself : bearing, carriage

Origin of POISE

Middle English poyse weight, heaviness, from Anglo-French peis, pois, from Latin pensum, from neuter of pensus, past participle of pendere to weigh — more at pendant

First Known Use: 1649

Synonym Discussion of POISE

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others. tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate <questions showing a lack of tact>. address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends <brought it off with remarkable address>. poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations <answered the accusations with unruffled poise>. savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient <the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler>.

Rhymes with POISE

vase

³poise

noun \ˈpwäz\

Definition of POISE

: a centimeter-gram-second unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one-square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter

Origin of POISE

French, from Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille †1869 French physician and anatomist

First Known Use: 1913

POISE[2] Defined for Kids

¹poise

verb \ˈpȯiz\

poisedpois·ing

Definition of POISE for Kids

: to hold or make steady by balancing <A book was poised on her head.>

: to remain in position without moving <… a serpent was poised ready to strike. — Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat>

: to be or become ready for something

²poise

noun

Definition of POISE for Kids

: the state of being balanced

: a natural self-confident manner <He spoke with great poise.>

Medical Dictionary

poise

noun \ˈpȯiz, ˈpwäz\

Medical Definition of POISE

: a cgs unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter