poise

Plural: poises

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
A state of balance, equilibrium or stability.
Composure; freedom from embarrassment or affectation.
Mien; bearing or deportment of the head or body.
A condition of hovering, or being suspended.
A CGS unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimetre.
Weight; an amount of weight, the amount something weighs.
The weight, or mass of metal, used in weighing, to balance the substance weighed.
That which causes a balance; a counterweight.
Unit of viscosity in the centimetre–gram–second system of units (CGS).

Verb

Verb Forms: poised, poising, poises

To hold in a state of balance or equilibrium.
be motionless, in suspension
- "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
To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.
To counterpoise; to counterbalance.
To be of a given weight; to weigh.
To add weight to, to weigh down.
To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.
To hold (something) in equilibrium, to hold balanced and ready; to carry (something) ready to be used.
To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.
To ascertain, as if by balancing; to weigh.

Examples

I poised the crowbar in my hand, and waited.
She had to ’POISE’ the tiles carefully to spell out her high-scoring word on the Words With Friends board.
The rock was poised precariously on the edge of the cliff.
to poise the scales of a balance

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English poys, poyse, from Anglo-Norman pois, Middle French pois (“weight”) and Anglo-Norman poise, Middle French poise (“measure of weight”), from Latin pendere (“to weigh, ponder, think”). Doublet of peise.

Synonyms

aplomb, assuredness, balance, brace, cool, sang-froid

Scrabble Score: 7

poise: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
poise: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
poise: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

poise: valid Words With Friends Word