n 1  :  an instrument for weighing  2  :  mental and emotional steadiness  3 a  :  the relation in physiology between the intake of a particular nutrient and its excretion - used with positive when the nutrient is in excess of the bodily metabolic requirement and with negative when dietary inadequacy and withdrawal of bodily reserves is present; - see NITROGEN BALANCE WATER BALANCE   b  :  the maintenance (as in laboratory cultures) of a population at about the same condition and level .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  Beau's lines  bull·nose 
 
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