a weight which is used to balance the weight of a movable member; in bridge applications counterweights are used to balance a movable span so that it rotates or lifts with minimum resistance
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)
(n) Weights, usually flame cut steel or cast iron, that are placed in counterweight arbors to balance the weight of loads hung on battens (v) The act of adding or removing weight from a set in order to achieve a balanced system
A counterweight is an action or proposal that is intended to balance or counter other actions or proposals. His no-inflation bill serves as a useful counterweight to proposals less acceptable to the Committee