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Counterweight vs Counterpoise - What's the difference?

counterweight | counterpoise |

As nouns the difference between counterweight and counterpoise

is that counterweight is 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 (eg a bascule bridge) while counterpoise is a weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight.

As verbs the difference between counterweight and counterpoise

is that counterweight is to fit with a counterweight while counterpoise is to act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.

counterweight

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • 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).
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To fit with a counterweight.
  • counterpoise

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight.
  • An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force.
  • The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrium; equiponderance.
  • Verb

    (counterpois)
  • To act against with equal weight; to equal in weight; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance.
  • * Sir K. Digby
  • Weights, counterpoising one another.
  • To act against with equal power; to balance.
  • * Spenser
  • So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and to counterpoise the rest.