English Words Starting With B

• balance bridge

  nounRare / Very Low Frequency
  /ˈbæl.əns brɪdʒ/A connecting device or system designed to facilitate measurements (typically in electrical engineering or metrology) by equalising potentials or creating a symmetrical reference point for comparison.
• balance control

  nounB2
  /ˈbæl.əns kənˈtrəʊl/The ability or action of maintaining stability, equilibrium, or proportional distribution, preventing a fall or failure.
• balance lug

  nounVery low (obsolete/technical)
  /ˈbæl.əns lʌɡ/A type of sail and rigging, historically used on small working boats, where the sail is set on a yard that extends beyond the mast on one side only, allowing for a simple, efficient rig on downwind or broad reach courses.
• balance of nature

  nounC1
  /ˈbæləns əv ˈneɪtʃə/The theory that ecological systems are normally in a stable equilibrium, where species and environmental factors maintain each other in a harmonious state.
• balance of payments

  nounC1
  /ˌbæləns əv ˈpeɪmənts/A systematic record of all economic transactions between residents of one country and residents of other countries during a specific period, showing the difference between total payments to and receipts from foreign countries.
• balance of power

  nounC1
  /ˌbæl.əns əv ˈpaʊ.ər/A situation where power is equally distributed among rival states or groups, preventing any one from becoming dominant.
• balance of terror

  nounC2
  /ˌbæl.əns əv ˈter.ər/A state of strategic stability in international relations, where peace is maintained because opposing powers possess comparable destructive capabilities (especially nuclear weapons), making war mutually assured and thus deterring aggression.
• balance of trade

  nounC1
  /ˌbæləns əv ˈtreɪd/The difference between the monetary value of a country's exports and imports of goods over a specific time period.
• balance pipe

  nounLow (Technical/Specialist)
  /ˈbæl.əns ˌpaɪp/A pipe or tube that connects two separate parts of a system to equalize pressure, fluid level, or flow between them, preventing imbalance.
• balance shaft

  nounC2
  /ˈbæl.əns ˌʃɑːft/A counter-rotating shaft in an internal combustion engine, designed to cancel out the vibrations produced by the engine's moving parts, primarily the pistons and crankshaft.
• balance sheet

  nounC1
  /ˈbæləns ʃiːt/A financial statement that reports a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity at a specific point in time.
• balance spring

  nounC2 - Very low frequency; highly specialised term.
  /ˈbæl.əns sprɪŋ/A crucial, fine spiral spring in a mechanical watch or clock that regulates the speed of the balance wheel's oscillation, controlling timekeeping accuracy.
• balance staff

  nounC2
  /ˈbæl.əns stɑːf/The central axle or spindle in a mechanical watch or clock on which the balance wheel is mounted and oscillates.
• balance weight

  nounC1
  /ˈbæl.əns weɪt/A physical weight used to counterbalance or offset another weight, achieving equilibrium.
• balance wheel

  nounLow
  /ˈbæləns ˌwiːl/A wheel in a mechanical timepiece, connected to a hairspring, which oscillates to regulate the speed at which the watch or clock runs.
• balanced diet

  nounC1
  /ˌbælənst ˈdaɪət/A diet that provides all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions for maintaining good health.
• balanced fund

  nounC1/C2
  /ˈbælənst fʌnd/A type of investment fund that holds a mix of stocks, bonds, and other securities, aiming to provide both growth and income while balancing risk.
• balanced line

  nounC1
  /ˈbælənst laɪn/A two-wire electrical transmission line designed to minimise signal interference by ensuring both conductors carry equal but opposite currents.
• balanced literacy

  nounC1
  /ˌbælənst ˈlɪt(ə)rəsi/An educational philosophy and instructional approach to teaching reading and writing that integrates elements of both whole-language and phonics-based methods.
• balanced rudder

  nounRare/Technical
  /ˈbælənst ˈrʌdə/A type of rudder used on ships and aircraft where a portion of the blade extends forward of the hinge axis, reducing the force required to turn it.

Showing 701–720 of 10030 words.