e⋅qui⋅lib⋅ri⋅um
[ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uh
m, ek-wuh-]
. | 1. | a state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces. |
| 2. | equal balance between any powers, influences, etc.; equality of effect. |
| 3. | mental or emotional balance; equanimity: The pressures of the situation caused her to lose her equilibrium. |
| 4. | Chemistry. the condition existing when a chemical reaction and its reverse reaction proceed at equal rates. |
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Equilibrium
E`qui*lib"ri*um\, n.; pl. E. Equilibriums, L. Equilibria. [L. aequilibrium, fr. aequilibris in equilibrium, level; aequus equal + libra balance. See Equal, and Librate.]1. Equality of weight or force; an equipoise or a state of rest produced by the mutual counteraction of two or more forces. 2. A level position; a just poise or balance in respect to an object, so that it remains firm; equipoise; as, to preserve the equilibrium of the body. Health consists in the equilibrium between those two powers. --Arbuthnot. 3. A balancing of the mind between motives or reasons, with consequent indecision and doubt. Equilibrium valve (Steam Engine), a balanced valve. See under Valve.Cite This Source
equilibrium
In economics, a state of the economy in which for every commodity or service (including labor), total supply and demand are exactly equal. Equilibrium is never actually attained; it is approximated by movements of the market.
Note: Keynesian economics departed from conventional economic theory in demonstrating that economic equilibrium and full employment need not occur together. Therefore, as a system tends toward equilibrium, it might not eliminate unemployment.
equilibrium
A condition in which all influences acting cancel each other, so that a static or balanced situation results. In physics, equilibrium results from the cancellation of forces acting on an object. In chemistry, it occurs when chemical reactions are proceeding in such a way that the amount of each substance in a system remains the same. (See chemical equilibrium.)
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equilibrium
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Equilibrium
The state in which market supply and demand balance each other and, as a result, prices become stable.
Investopedia Commentary
The equilibrium price is the price at which the supply of goods matches demand.
Related Links
Economics Basics Tutorial
See also: Demand, Economics, Orderly Market, Supply
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Main Entry: equi·lib·ri·um
Pronunciation: "E-kw&-'lib-rE-&m, "ek-w&-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural equi·lib·ri·ums or equi·lib·ria /-rE-&/
1 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that iseither 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 : astate of intellectual or emotional balance
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equilibrium e·qui·lib·ri·um (ē'kwə-lĭb'rē-əm, ěk'wə-)
n.
- A condition in which all influences acting upon it are canceled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
- The state of a chemical reaction in which its forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates so that the concentration of the reactants and products does not change with time. Also called dynamic equilibrium.
- Mental or emotional balance.
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| equilibrium (ē'kwə-lĭb'rē-əm) Pronunciation Key
Plural equilibriums or equilibria
|
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