counter
counter1 definition
counter (ko̵unt′ər)
noun
- a person or thing that counts; computer
- any of various complex devices for detecting and counting ionizing particles, including Geiger and scintillation counters
- an indicator on a machine, for keeping count of turns, strokes, etc. of the machine or its parts
- a small object used in some games, as for keeping score
- an imitation coin or token
- a long table, board, cabinet top, etc., as in a store, lunchroom, or kitchen, for the display and sale of goods, the serving or preparing of food, etc.
Etymology: ME countour: in senses 1 & 2 < OFr conteor < L computator < computare; in senses 3, 4, 5 < OFr contouer, counting room, table of a bank < ML computatorium < L computare, compute
counter Idioms
over the counter
- in direct trading between buyers and sellers: said of sales of stock not conducted through a stock exchange
- without a prescription a drug that can be purchased over the counter
under the counter
in a surreptitious manner: said of sales, payments, etc. made illegally or unethically
counter2 definition
coun·ter (ko̵unt′ər)
adverb
in a contrary direction, manner, etc.; in opposition; opposite
Etymology: ME countre < OFr contre < L contra, against, contra-
adjective
that acts in opposition, tends in an opposite direction, or is opposite or contrary; opposed or opposing
noun
- the opposite; contrary
- an opposing or checking force or action
- Obsolete the breast of a horse
- a stiff leather piece around the heel of a shoe or boot
- the curved, overhanging part of the stern of some ships
- a depression between the raised parts of a typeface
- Boxing counterpunch
- Fencing a parry made with a circular motion of the blade in an attempt to divert the opponent's blade from whichever angle it is thrust
- Football a play in which most blockers move in one direction while the running back with the ball moves in the opposite directionin full counter play
transitive verb, intransitive verb
- to act, do, move, etc. counter to (a person or thing); oppose or check
- to say or do (something) in reply, defense, or retaliation
- Boxing to strike one's opponent while receiving or parrying (a blow)
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