Bal"ance wheel` (?).

1. Horology (a)

A wheel which regulates the beats or pulses of a watch or chronometer, answering to the pendulum of a clock; -- often called simply a balance.

(b)

A ratchet-shaped scape wheel, which in some watches is acted upon by the axis of the balance wheel proper (in those watches called a balance).

2. Mach.

A wheel which imparts regularity to the movements of any engine or machine; a fly wheel.

 

© Webster 1913.