Meaning of poise in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /pɔɪz/

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  1. Verb

    poise

    Definitions

    1. be motionless, in suspension

    Examples

    • « The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked »
  2. 2. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

    Derived terms

  3. 3. cause to be balanced or suspended
  4. 4. hold or carry in equilibrium

    Derived terms

  5. Noun

    poise

    Etymology

    late Middle English (in the sense ‘weight’): from Old French pois, peis (noun), peser (verb), from an alteration of Latin pensum‘weight’, from the verb pendere‘weigh’. From the early senses of ‘weight’ and ‘measure of weight’ arose the notion of ‘equal weight, balance’, leading to the extended senses ‘composure’ and ‘elegant bearing’

    Definitions

    1. a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter

    Examples

    • « the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second »
  6. 2. a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium

    Derived terms

  7. 3. great coolness and composure under strain

    Examples

    • « keep your cool »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. »
    Audrey Hepburn
  • « Man maintains his balance, poise, and sense of security only as he is moving forward. »
    Maxwell Maltz

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