noun

1. an instrument for weighing, esp. one that opposes equal weights, as in two matched shallow pans hanging from either end of a lever supported exactly in the middle; scales
2. the imaginary scales of fortune or fate, as an emblem of justice or the power to decide
3. the power or ability to decide
4. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equality in amount, weight, value, or importance, as between two things or the parts of a thing
5. bodily equilibrium or stability he kept his balance on the tightrope
6. mental or emotional stability
7. 1. the pleasing harmony of various elements in a design, painting, musical composition, etc.; harmonious proportion
   2. a setting of clauses, phrases, ideas, etc. in parallel constructions for rhetorical effect
8. a weight, force, effect, etc. that counteracts another or causes equilibrium; counterpoise
9. the point along an object's length at which there is equilibrium
   in full balance point
10. 1. equality of debits and credits in an account
    2. the excess of credits over debits or of debits over credits
11. the amount still owed after a partial settlement
12. ☆ whatever is left over; remainder
13. the act of balancing
14. balance wheel

Etymology: ME & OFr, prob. via ML < VL *bilancia < LL bilanx, having two scales < L bis, twice + lanx, a dish, scale < IE *elek-, extended stem of base *el-, to bend > elbow

transitive verb balanced -·anced, balancing -·anc·ing

1. to weigh in or as in a balance
2. to compare as to relative importance, value, etc.
3. to counterpoise or counteract; make up for; offset
4. to bring into or keep in a state of equilibrium or equipoise; keep steady; poise to balance oneself on stilts
5. to bring into proportion, harmony, etc.
6. to make or be proportionate to; make or be equal to in weight, force, effect, etc.
7. 1. to find any difference that may exist between the debit and credit sides of (an account); also, to equalize the debit and credit sides of (an account)
   2. to settle (an account) by paying debts
8. Dancing to move toward and then back from (a partner)

intransitive verb

1. to be in equilibrium
2. to be equal in value, weight, etc.
3. to have the credit and debit sides equal to each other
4. to waver slightly; tilt and return to equilibrium
5. Dancing to balance partners