What is the meaning of poise?

noun

  • A cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second.
  • A state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium.
  • Great coolness and composure under strain.
    • usage: "keep your cool"

verb

  • Be motionless, in suspension.
    • usage: "The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked"
  • Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult.
  • Cause to be balanced or suspended.
  • Hold or carry in equilibrium.
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
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APAWordNet. (2010). poise. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/poise/definitions/1244340
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "poise" http://smartdefine.org/poise/definitions/1244340 (accessed September 22, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, poise, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/poise/definitions/1244340>.
MLAWordNet. "poise" 23 October 2010. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/poise/definitions/1244340>
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