Equilibrium - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Equilibrium : (noun)
1: a chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates [syn: chemical equilibrium]
2: a stable situation in which forces cancel one another [ant: disequilibrium]
3: equality of distribution [syn: balance, equipoise, counterbalance]
4: a sensory system located in structures of the inner ear that registers the orientation of the head [syn: labyrinthine sense, vestibular sense, sense of balance, sense of equilibrium]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Equilibrium : \E`qui*lib"ri*um\, n.; pl. E. Equilibriums, L. Equilibria. [L. aequilibrium, fr. aequilibris in equilibrium, level; aequus equal _ libra balance. See Equal, and Librate.] 1. Equality of weight or force; an equipoise or a state of rest produced by the mutual counteraction of two or more forces.

2. A level position; a just poise or balance in respect to an object, so that it remains firm; equipoise; as, to preserve the equilibrium of the body.

Health consists in the equilibrium between those two powers. --Arbuthnot.

3. A balancing of the mind between motives or reasons, with consequent indecision and doubt.

Equilibrium valve (Steam Engine), a balanced valve. See under Valve.

Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)