I. ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s, ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈ noun
Date: circa 1611
1. : a weight that balances another
2. : a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force
II. ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈ, ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌ transitive verb
Date: circa 1611
1. : to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2. : to equip with counterbalances