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poise¹ Definition

poise (po̵iz)

noun

  1. balance; stability
  2. ease and dignity of manner; self-assurance; composure
  3. the condition of being calm or serene
  4. carriage; bearing, as of the body or head
  5. Now Rare
    1. a suspension of activity in a condition of balance
    2. suspense; irresolution; indecision

Etymology: ME pois, weight < OFr < VL *pesum < L pensum, something weighed < pendere, to weigh: see pendant

transitive verb poised, pois′·ing

  1. to balance; keep steady
  2. to suspend: usually passive or reflexive
  3. Rare to weigh

Etymology: ME poisen < OFr poiser < peise, inflected form of peser, to weigh < VL pesare < L pensare, to weigh out < pensus, pp. of pendere

intransitive verb

  1. to be suspended or balanced
  2. to hover

poise² Definition

poise (po̵iz)

noun

the basic unit of viscosity of a fluid in the CGS system, equal to the force measured in dynes per square centimeter needed to maintain a difference in velocity of one centimeter per second between two parallel planes of a fluid separated by one centimeter (0.1 pascal second): abbrev. P

Etymology: Fr, after J. L. M. Poiseuille (1799-1869), Fr anatomist

poise Synonyms

poise

n.

balance, gravity, equilibrium, tact; see composure, dignity 1. See syn. study at tact.

poise Usage Examples

Object

  • boulder: At the top, a cornice of poised boulders can be passed to a hanging ledge beneath a vast hanging choke.
  • tie: With the tie finely poised, another sensational night of speedway is anticipated next Monday in Manchester.
  • pen: With pens poised, we all prepared for the numbers to be announced.
  • finger: His finger poised above it, calling to be pressed.

Preposition: on

  • brink: I think he's poised on the brink of becoming a star.
  • edge: At 7 all the match was poised on a knife edge.

Modifies a noun

lamp: Concerned as to who put out the light, he feels for the angle poise lamp over the board.

Modifying Another Word

  • delicately: All of which leaves the centenary Tour delicately poised.
  • precariously: He was somehow precariously poised at a 45° angle, yet slept soundly among all the hubbub.
  • finely: With the tie finely poised, another sensational night of speedway is anticipated next Monday in Manchester.
  • evenly: However, the balance of risks on inflation still remain evenly poised.
  • nicely: This is a good match, nicely poised at the interval.

Noun used with modifier

angle: Concerned as to who put out the light, he feels for the angle poise lamp over the board.

Infinitive complement

  • pounce: A highly organized rebel group is poised to pounce in the Commons next week, with the introduction of the charities bill.
  • revolutionize: What Van - June 2005 Key 2 Vehicle Management, Jaama poised to revolutionize fleet management software.
  • transform: New European proposals are poised to transform the way chemicals are regulated.
  • strike: Their bodies snap into position, leaving them poised to strike a clean shot.
  • launch: December 7, 1941 - Japan's great fleet is poised to launch the most infamous surprise attack in history.
  • dominate: He predicts that by 2020 evangelicals are poised to dominate the Anglican Church.

Preposition: for

growth: An excellent opportunity to join a company poised for growth.