First Known Use: 1598
Dictionary
1poise
verb \ˈpȯiz\
: to hold (something) in a balanced and steady position
poisedpois·ing
Full Definition of POISE
transitive verb
1
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>
2
: to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way
3
: to put into readiness : brace
intransitive verb
1
: to become drawn up into readiness
2
: hover
See poise defined for English-language learners
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Origin of POISE
Middle English, to weigh, ponder, from Anglo-French peiser, poiser, from Latin pensare — more at pensive
Related to POISE
- Synonyms
- brace, forearm, nerve, fortify, psych (up), ready, steel, strengthen
2poise
noun
Definition of POISE
1
: a stably balanced state : equilibrium <a poise between widely divergent impulses — F. R. Leavis>
2
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
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
1
: to hold or make steady by balancing <A book was poised on her head.>
2
: to remain in position without moving <… a serpent was poised ready to strike. — Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat>
3
: to be or become ready for something
2poise
noun
Definition of POISE for Kids
1
: the state of being balanced
2
: 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
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