(1) The act of maintaining an equilibrium or balance. (2) The act of exposing a liquid, e.g., blood or plasma, to a gas at a certain partial pressure until the partial pressures of the gas within and without the liquid are equal. (3) In dentistry, modification of occlusal forms of the teeth by grinding, with the intent of equalizing occlusal stress, producing simultaneous occlusal contacts, or harmonizing cuspal relations. (4) In chromatography, the saturation of the stationary phase with the vapor of the elution solvent to be used. (5) In psychology and psychiatry, the restoring of equilibrium or balance in response to information and experience that furthers cognitive adaptation and development. This self-regulatory process involves assimilation and accommodation.development (1), adaptation (6), accommodation (2), assimilation (2)