noun / verb
equipoise
EHK-wuh-poyz/ˈekwɪpɔɪz/
A state of balance between opposing forces, or bringing them into balance.
The two opposing loads remain in equipoise on the level beam.
Etymology
Originally “equal poise,” the word pictured weight distributed equally on either side. That physical balance supplies the image for opposing forces that hold one another in equilibrium.
More examples
- The rival factions hold the council in a fragile equipoise.
- A small counterweight equipoises the heavier load.
- The added weight restores equipoise to the scale.
Forms
equipoise · equipoises · equipoised · equipoising
Similar words
- balance
- The everyday term for stability between opposing weights or forces.
- equilibrium
- Often describes a physical system with no net force acting.
- counterbalance
- Emphasizes offsetting one force or weight with another.