POISE
| Pronunciation (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does poise mean?
• POISE (noun)
The noun POISE has 3 senses:
1. 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
2. a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
3. great coolness and composure under strain
Familiarity information: POISE used as a noun is uncommon.
• POISE (verb)
The verb POISE has 4 senses:
1. be motionless, in suspension
2. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
3. cause to be balanced or suspended
4. hold or carry in equilibrium
Familiarity information: POISE used as a verb is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• POISE (noun)
Meaning:
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
Classified under:
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure
Hypernyms ("poise" is a kind of...):
unit of viscosity (a unit of measurement for viscosity)
Meaning:
A state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("poise" is a kind of...):
equilibrium (a stable situation in which forces cancel one another)
Meaning:
Great coolness and composure under strain
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Synonyms:
aplomb; assuredness; sang-froid; cool; poise
Context example:
keep your cool
Hypernyms ("poise" is a kind of...):
calm; calmness; composure; equanimity (steadiness of mind under stress)
• POISE (verb)
Meaning:
Be motionless, in suspension
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Context example:
The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked
Hypernyms (to "poise" is one way to...):
hover (hang in the air; fly or be suspended above)
Sentence frame:
Something is ----ing PP
Meaning:
Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
Classified under:
Verbs of feeling
Synonyms:
brace; poise
Hypernyms (to "poise" is one way to...):
fix; gear up; prepare; ready; set; set up (make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "poise"):
nerve; steel (get ready for something difficult or unpleasant)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Meaning:
Cause to be balanced or suspended
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Hypernyms (to "poise" is one way to...):
lay; place; pose; position; put; set (put into a certain place or abstract location)
Cause:
balance; poise (hold or carry in equilibrium)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody PP
Somebody ----s something PP
Meaning:
Hold or carry in equilibrium
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
balance; poise
Hypernyms (to "poise" is one way to...):
bear; carry; hold (support or hold in a certain manner)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "poise"):
juggle (hold with difficulty and balance insecurely)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
