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| coun·ter·poise [ kówntər pòyz ] |
noun (plural coun·ter·pois·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. counteracting weight: a weight that balances another weight
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2. compensating factor: something that has the effect of diminishing or compensating for the effect of something else
 The government had covertly encouraged the fascists as a counterpoise to the reformers.
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3. balanced state: a state of equilibrium
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transitive verb (past and past participle coun·ter·poised, present participle coun·ter·pois·ing, 3rd person present singular coun·ter·pois·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. oppose and balance something: to counteract or compensate for something by providing an equal force, influence, or weight
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2. make something balanced: to bring something into a state of balance
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| [15th century. Alteration of French contrepeis "counterweight"] |