Counterweight

Quick meaning: Counterweight is a noun meaning (figurative) A counterbalance.

Meaning

(figurative) A counterbalance.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To fit with a counterweight.
2. A heavy mass of often iron or concrete, mechanically linked in opposition to a load which is to be raised and lowered, with the intent of reducing the amount of work which must be done to effect the raising and lowering. Counterweights are used, for example, in cable-hauled elevators and some kinds of movable bridges (e.g. a bascule bridge).

Example Sentences

The lifting span, which rises vertically between the towers, weighs 465 tons and is counterweighted by four 110-ton weights.

Everything on the grid – all the backdrops and curtains, anything that has to move up and down from the fly-tower – has to be counterweighted.

Like other supertall towers, 432 Park relies on the counterweight system to address the forces of wind and reduce the feeling of swaying for residents.

Four 110-ton counterweights, one in each tower, make this feat possible by reducing the effective weight to be lifted to some 25 tons; but an additional 20 tons (a very heavy snow load) can be lifted if necessary.

Word Forms

• counterweights
• counterweighting
• counterweighted

Synonyms for counterweight

Depending on context, synonyms include balance, counterbalance, counterpoise, equaliser, equalizer, counterpose.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include counterpoise, counterbalance, equalizer, counterpose, balance, equaliser.

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