n. | 1. | Weight; gravity; that which causes a body to descend; heaviness. |
2. | The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed. | |
3. | The state of being balanced by equal weight or power; equipoise; balance; equilibrium; rest. | |
4. | That which causes a balance; a counterweight. | |
5. | a dignified and self-confident manner; graceful composure and tact in handling difficult social situations. | |
v. t. | 1. | To balance; to make of equal weight; |
2. | To hold or place in equilibrium or equiponderance. | |
3. | To counterpoise; to counterbalance. | |
4. | To ascertain, as by the balance; to weigh. | |
5. | To weigh (down); to oppress. | |
v. i. | 1. | To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt. |
Noun | 1. | poise - a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second |
2. | poise - a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium | |
3. | poise - great coolness and composure under strain; "keep your cool" | |
Verb | 1. | poise - be motionless, in suspension; "The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked" |
2. | poise - prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult Synonyms: brace | |
3. | poise - cause to be balanced or suspended | |
4. | poise - hold or carry in equilibrium Synonyms: balance |