profile of equilibrium

1

: the longitudinal profile of a stream whose smooth gradient is so adjusted to volume of water and amount and nature of load as to be maintained in approximate equilibrium while erosion and transportation continue : a graded profile

2

: the slope away from shore of a sea floor or lake bottom having a gradient such that waves and currents neither erode it downward nor deposit sediment upon it

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!