equilibrium

Pronunciation: ē′kwi-lib′rē-ŭm

Definition:

1. The condition of being evenly balanced; a state of repose between two or more antagonistic forces that exactly counteract each other.
2. In chemistry, a state of apparent repose created by two reactions proceeding in opposite directions at equal speed; in chemical equations, sometimes indicated by two opposing arrows (⇄) instead of the equal sign.

Synonym(s): dynamic equilibrium

[L. aequilibrium, a horizontal position, fr. aequus, equal, + libra, a balance]

See Also: equilibrium constant

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