Meaning

(intransitive) To oscillate (like the beam of a balance)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To oscillate (like the beam of a balance).
2. (intransitive, figuratively) To waver or deliberate between two opposing thoughts or choices.
3. (intransitive) To be poised; to balance oneself.
4. (obsolete, transitive) To place in a balance; to weigh.
5. (now historical) A piece of land having a value of one pound per year.

Example Sentences

Their parts all librate on too nice a beam.

The currently observed orbital resonances at the 2:1 mean motion commensurabilities involving Io-Europa and Europa-Ganymede are such that the resonance variables #92;theta#95;1#61;#92;lambda#95;1-2#92;lambda#95;2#43;#92;omega#95;1 and #92;theta#95;3#61;#92;lambda#95;2-2#92;lambda#95;3#43;#92;omega#95;2 librate about 0° and #92;theta#95;2#61;#92;lambda#95;1-2#92;lambda#95;2#43;#92;omega#95;2 librates about 180°, all with small amplitude.

But she winds about him coil after coil of her glittering rhetoric, in which reason holds its own as it librates with specious feeling.

Her playful Sea-horse […] His watery way with waving volutes wins, / Or listening librates on unmoving fins.

Word Forms

• librates
• librating
• librated

Related Words

When Should You Use Librate?

Use librate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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