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equilibrium

Syllabification: (e·qui·lib·ri·um)
Pronunciation: /ˌēkwəˈlibrēəm, ˌekwə-/

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Definition of equilibrium

noun (plural equilibria /-ˈlibrēə/)

  • a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced:the maintenance of social equilibrium
  • a state of physical balance:I stumbled over a rock and recovered my equilibrium
  • a calm state of mind:his intensity could unsettle his equilibrium
  • Chemistry a state in which a process and its reverse are occurring at equal rates so that no overall change is taking place:ice is in equilibrium with water
  • Economics a situation in which supply and demand are matched and prices stable.

Derivatives

equilibrial

Pronunciation: /-ˈlibrēəl/

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'well-balanced state of mind'): from Latin aequilibrium, from aequi- 'equal'+ libra 'balance'

equilibrium in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of equilibrium in the British & World English dictionary

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