poise

• Nom désignant un état de stabilité équilibrée, de sang-froid sous pression, ou une unité de viscosité dynamique dans le système CGS.

A noun referring to a state of balanced stability, composure under strain, or a unit of dynamic viscosity in the cgs system.

1. Unit of viscosityC2formalscientific

   A unit of dynamic viscosity in the CGS system, equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter.

   poise (unité de viscosité)

   • The fluid's viscosity was measured at 10 poise.
   • Water has a viscosity of about 0.01 poise at room temperature.
   • The scientist recorded the viscosity in poise for the experiment.

2. Stable equilibriumB2formal

   A state of being balanced or held in a stable position.

   Équilibre stable

   • The dancer maintained her poise during the difficult routine.
   • The tightrope walker showed incredible poise on the wire.
   • The sculpture stood with perfect poise on its pedestal.

   Synonymesbalanceequilibriumequipoisestabilitysteadiness

   Antonymesimbalanceinstabilityunsteadiness

3. Composure under pressureB2formal

   Great calmness, confidence, and self-control, especially in stressful situations.

   Sang-froid

   • She handled the crisis with remarkable poise.
   • His poise during the interview impressed the panel.
   • Even under intense scrutiny, he never lost his poise.

   Synonymesaplombassurancecalmnesscomposurecoolnessequanimitypresence of mindself-controlself-possession

   Antonymesagitationdiscomposurenervousnessperturbationuneaseupset

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de tenir ou maintenir quelque chose en équilibre, ou de se trouver dans un état de préparation ou d'équilibre, souvent immobile.

A verb used to indicate the act of balancing or holding something steadily, or being in a state of readiness or equilibrium.

1. Be motionless, in suspensionC1formal

   To remain still or suspended in the air or in a particular position.

   Resté immobile, en suspension

   • The hummingbird poised in mid-air, its wings a blur.
   • The dancer poised on one leg, perfectly still.
   • The hawk poised above the field, scanning for prey.

   Synonymesbalancefloathanghover

   Antonymesbudgemovestir

2. Prepare oneself for something unpleasant or difficultC1formal

   To ready oneself mentally or physically for a challenging or adverse event.

   Se préparer à affronter quelque chose de désagréable ou de difficile

   • She poised herself for the difficult conversation ahead.
   • The team poised themselves for the final push to the summit.
   • He poised his mind for the shock of the bad news.

   Synonymesbracefortifygirdprepareprimereadysteel

3. Cause to be balanced or suspendedC1formal

   To place something in a state of balance or suspension, often delicately.

   tenir en équilibre

   • The sculptor poised the stone on a thin pedestal.
   • She poised the book on the edge of the table.
   • The acrobat poised a chair on his chin.

   Synonymesbalanceequilibrateholdsteadysuspend

4. Hold or carry in equilibriumC1formal

   To maintain something in a steady, balanced state, often with grace.

   tenir en équilibre

   • The waiter poised the tray of drinks effortlessly.
   • She poised the heavy box on her shoulder.
   • He poised the camera on the tripod with precision.

   Synonymesbalancehoverpositionsteadysuspend

   Antonymesdestabilizeoverbalanceunbalanceupset