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countershading
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counterpoise

coun·ter·poise [ kówntər pòyz ]


noun  (plural coun·ter·pois·es)
Definition:
 
1. counteracting weight: a weight that balances another weight

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.

3. balanced state: a state of equilibrium



transitive verb  (past and past participle coun·ter·poised, present participle coun·ter·pois·ing, 3rd person present singular coun·ter·pois·es)
Definition:
 
1. oppose and balance something: to counteract or compensate for something by providing an equal force, influence, or weight

2. make something balanced: to bring something into a state of balance

[15th century. Alteration of French contrepeis "counterweight"]
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