°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
°To fit with a counterweight.