Librate
/ˈlaɪ.breɪt/noun
To balance or oscillate in equilibrium; to sway as if weighing on a scale.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin *libra* meaning “a balance scale” or “a pound,” the same root behind *Libra* and *libra* as a unit of weight, so the word literally carries the energy of weighing and balancing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leyp-
“to hang or balance; to be level”
Latin
Latin
libra
“a balance, scales; a pound of weight”
Late Latin
Latin
librāre
“to balance, poise, or make level”
Middle English
English
librate
“to balance or oscillate”
Modern English
English
librate
“to balance or oscillate in equilibrium”