"poise" in the noun sense
1. poise
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. poise
a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
3. aplomb, assuredness, cool, poise, sang-froid
great coolness and composure under strain
"keep your cool"
"poise" in the verb sense
1. poise
be motionless, in suspension
"The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked"
2. brace, poise
prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
3. poise
cause to be balanced or suspended
4. poise, balance
hold or carry in equilibrium
Source: WordNet® (An amazing lexical database of English)
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