equilibrium
Pluralequilibriums, equilibria
- 1A state where different forces or pressures balance each other, so nothing changes overall.
The pond stays in equilibrium because the rain replaces the water that dries up.
Prices settle at an equilibrium when buyers want exactly what sellers offer.
Oppositeimbalance, instability, disequilibrium
Note
- 2A calm, steady state of mind.
A long walk helps me get my equilibrium back after a hard day.
Nothing seemed to upset her equilibrium, not even the noisy kids.
Similarsanity
Oppositeinstability
- 3The state of an object when all the forces on it cancel out, so it stays still or moves steadily.
A book lying on a table is in equilibrium because the table pushes up as hard as gravity pulls down.
The sign hangs in equilibrium, held by two chains that pull equally hard.
Similarbalance
Oppositedisequilibrium
Note
- 4In chemistry, the point when a reaction runs both ways at the same speed, so the amounts stop changing.
When the reaction reaches equilibrium, new product forms as fast as it breaks down.
Adding more heat can push the equilibrium toward one side of the reaction.
Note
Practice
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Origin
From Latin, from words meaning "equal" and "balance".