balance (redirected from striking a balance)

balance /bal·ance/ (bal´ans)

1. an instrument for weighing.

2. equilibrium.

---

acid-base balance  a normal balance between production and excretion of acid or alkali by the body, resulting in a stable concentration of H+ in body fluids.

analytical balance  a balance used in the laboratory, sensitive to variations of the order of 0.05 to 0.1 mg.

fluid balance  the state of the body in relation to ingestion and excretion of water and electrolytes.

nitrogen balance  the state of the body in regard to ingestion and excretion of nitrogen. In negative nitrogen b. the amount excreted is greater than the quantity ingested; in positive nitrogen b. the amount excreted is smaller than the quantity ingested.

water balance  fluid b.

---

bal·ance (blns)

n.

1. A weighing device, especially one consisting of a rigid beam horizontally suspended by a low-friction support at its center, with identical weighing pans hung at either end, one of which holds an unknown weight while the effective weight in the other is increased by known amounts until the beam is level and motionless.

2. A state of bodily equilibrium.

3. The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences, such as for bodily parts or organs.

4. Equality of mass and net electric charge of reacting species on each side of a chemical equation.

---

balance,

n 1. equilibrium or harmony.
n 2. in dentistry, an occlusal equilibrium or facial esthetic harmony.

balance, acid-base,

n in metabolism, the balance of acid to base necessary to keep the blood pH level normal (between 7.35 and 7.43).

balance billing,

n the billing of a patient for the difference between the dental professional's actual charge and the amount reimbursed under the patient's dental benefits plan.

balance sheet,

n a condensed statement showing the nature and amount of a company's assets, liabilities, and capital on a given date. In dollar amounts the balance sheet shows the assets the company owns, the money it owes, and the ownership interest in the company of its stockholders.

---

balance

1. an instrument for weighing.

2. harmonious adjustment of different elements or parts; harmonious performance of functions. Used to describe symmetry and proportion of conformation.

---

acid-base balance

the proportion of acid and base required to keep the blood and body fluids neutral. See also acid-base balance.

analytical balance

a laboratory balance sensitive to very small variations of the order of 0.001 mg.

balance examination

simultaneous palpation of muscles on both sides of the body of Greyhounds attempting to locate areas of soreness or spasm.

fluid balance

the state of the body in relation to ingestion and excretion of water and electrolytes (see also fluid balance).

nitrogen balance

the state of the body in regard to ingestion and excretion of nitrogen. In negative nitrogen balance the amount of nitrogen excreted is greater than the quantity ingested. In positive nitrogen balance the amount excreted is smaller than the amount ingested. See also nitrogen balance.

posture balance

disturbances of balance, including falling to one side, rotation of the head, walking in circles. These are usually indications of disturbances of the organs of balance in the semicircular canals.

water balance

fluid balance.