counterpoise
counterpoise · counterpoises
A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scalesA weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/
» Knights acted as a counterpoise to the barons.
Meaning
3 sensesA weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
a weight that balances another weight
An effect of equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force or influence
The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium
Examples
1 sentencesKnights acted as a counterpoise to the barons.
Origin
From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise.From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: counterpoises| Singular | counterpoise |
|---|---|
| Plural | counterpoises |
regular
Synonyms
6 synonymsClose in meaning
- a weight that balances another weight:counterweightcounterbalancebalanceequalizerequaliser
Word family
1 related wordsDerivedcounterpoise-lift