Skip to content

counterpoise

noun

  1. device used as a substitute for a ground connection in a radio antenna system
L318749 on Wikidata ↗

verb

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L331279 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪz/

noun

Etymology: From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise.

  1. A weight sufficient to balance another, for example in the opposite end of scales; an equal weight.
  2. An effect of equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force or influence

    This necessary counterpoise, the affectionate and simple-minded will readily conceive, would arise to Louisa from the absence of those "dear familiar faces" which had hitherto constituted her world.

  3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium

verb

Etymology: From Old French contrepois, contrepeser, later assimilated to poise.

  1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.

    Weights, counterpoising one another.

  2. To act against with equal power; to balance.

    So many freeholders of English […]will be able to beard, and to counterpoise the rest.