non-equilibrium
|non-e-qui-lib-ri-um|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑːnˌiːkwəˈlɪbriəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/
(equilibrium)
state of balance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'non-equilibrium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aequilibrium,' where 'aequi-' meant 'equal' and 'libra' meant 'balance.'
Historical Evolution
'aequilibrium' transformed into the French word 'équilibre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'equilibrium' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'equal balance,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state of balance.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a state in which opposing forces or influences are not balanced.
The system was in a state of non-equilibrium due to external disturbances.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45