English Dictionary

Definition of “poise”

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^¹poise¹ (pɔɪz)

Definitions

noun

composure or dignity of manner
physical balance or assurance in movement or bearing
the state of being balanced or stable; equilibrium; stability
the position of hovering
suspense or indecision

verb

to be or cause to be balanced or suspended
(tr) to hold, as in readiness ⇒ to poise a lance
(tr) a rare word for weigh¹

Word Origin

C16: from Old French pois weight, from Latin pēnsum, from pendere to weigh

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= composure, cool, presence, assurance, dignity, equilibrium, serenity, coolness, aplomb, calmness, equanimity, presence of mind, sang-froid, savoir-faire, self-possession,

= grace, balance, equilibrium, elegance,

= position, hold, support, balance, hang, suspend, float, hover, hang suspended hang in midair

^²poise² (pwɑːz;pɔɪz)

Definitions

noun

the cgs unit of viscosity; the viscosity of a fluid in which a tangential force of 1 dyne per square centimetre maintains a difference in velocity of 1 centimetre per second between two parallel planes 1 centimetre apart. It is equivalent to 0.1 newton second per square metre P

Word Origin

C20: named after Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille (1799–1869), French physician

Usage examples

In every other respect, he told himself --- and others told him --- he was a rational man of poise and depth and stature.
Nicola Barker, BEHINDLINGS (2002)
If Sen is graceful, lyrical, Satpathy is full of poise , a command performer.
India Today (1999)
For poise , walk with the knowledge that you do not walk alone.
The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
But there was little fluency about a performance in which Barry Ferguson and Fletcher failed to deliver any poise , precision or passing.
Sun, News of the World (2004)
Positive Potential: The ability to make a decision quickly and to act promptly; to maintain poise and balance whatever the circumstances.
Wildwood, Christine, Flower Remedies for Women (1994)

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