ETYM Old Eng. balaunce, French balance, from Latin bilanx, bilancis, having two scales; bis twice (akin to Eng. two) + lanx plate, scale.
1. A scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity.
2. A state of equilibrium.
3. Equality of distribution; SYN. equilibrium, equipoise, counterbalance.
Apparatus for weighing or measuring mass. The various types include the beam balance consisting of a centrally pivoted lever with pans hanging from each end, and the spring balance, in which the object to be weighed stretches (or compresses) a vertical coil spring fitted with a pointer that indicates the weight on a scale. Kitchen and bathroom scales are balances. + prikaži više

Balance, device used for weighing; thin skin flakes or plates comprising the body covering of some animals (such as fish and reptiles)

1. A small faint zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere; between Virgo and Scorpius.
2. The seventh sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from September 23 to October 22; Also called: Libra the Balance, Libra the Scales.
Faint zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere adjoining Scorpius, and represented as the scales of justice. The Sun passes through Libra during Nov. The constellation was once considered to be a part of Scorpius, seen as the scorpion's claws. In astrology, the dates for Libra are between about 23 Sept and 23 Oct (see precession). + prikaži više