equilibrium

noun

equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio) ˌe- How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
plural equilibriums or equilibria ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
ˌe-
1
a
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance : poise
trying to recover his equilibrium
b
: a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements
2
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)
3

Did you know?

Equilibrium contains a root from the Latin libra, meaning "weight" or "balance". As a constellation, zodiac symbol, and astrological sign, Libra is usually pictured as a set of balance scales, often held by the blindfolded goddess of justice, which symbolizes fairness, equality, and justice. Equilibrium has special meanings in biology, chemistry, physics, and economics, but in all of them it refers to the balance of competing influences.

Examples of equilibrium in a Sentence

Supply and demand were in equilibrium. we must find an equilibrium between commercial development and conservation of our natural treasures
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The combination of tariffs and economic uncertainty has cast a cloud over markets with a lot of questions about what happens next as investors seek out some sort of price equilibrium. Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 When a woman washes ashore during a tempest, wounded and unconscious, the family’s fragile equilibrium cracks. Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025 Spring Equinox Celebration: South Jordan's EVOLVE Wellness Collective is seeking equilibrium at 7:30pm Thursday with 20 minutes of balance poses, 20 minutes of journaling and 20 minutes in the salt cave. Erin Alberty, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025 That equilibrium also permeates Barba Hopfner’s filmmaking ideas. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for equilibrium

Word History

Etymology

Latin aequilibrium, from aequilibris being in equilibrium, from aequi- + libra weight, balance

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of equilibrium was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Equilibrium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equilibrium. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

equilibrium

noun
equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
ˌek-wə-
plural equilibriums or equilibria -rē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2
: the normal balanced state of the body of an animal that is maintained in relation to the forces (as gravity) acting on it and to things in the environment (as the surface on which life is lived) and that is sensed and checked by the inner ear of vertebrates including human beings
Etymology

from Latin aequilibrium "state of being in balance," from aequus "equal" and libra "weight, balance, scales" — related to deliberate, libra

Medical Definition

equilibrium

noun
equi·​lib·​ri·​um ˌē-kwə-ˈlib-rē-əm How to pronounce equilibrium (audio) ˌek-wə- How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
plural equilibriums or equilibria -rē-ə How to pronounce equilibrium (audio)
1
: a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the velocities in both directions are equal)
2
: a state of intellectual or emotional balance

More from Merriam-Webster on equilibrium

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