balance

(bal’ans) [L. bi’lanx]. 1. An instrument for weighing. 2. Hy urmonious adjustment of parts: harmonious performance of functions. torsion-b. 1. A weighing balance in which the scale-beam is supported by metallic ribbons which act by torsion. 2. An electrometer which acts by the twisting of a single fiber of the web of a silkworm.