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counter¹ Definition

counter (ko̵unt′ər)

noun

    1. a person or thing that counts; computer
    2. any of various complex devices for detecting and counting ionizing particles, including Geiger and scintillation counters
  2. an indicator on a machine, for keeping count of turns, strokes, etc. of the machine or its parts
  3. a small object used in some games, as for keeping score
  4. an imitation coin or token
  5. 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

counter¹ Idioms

over the counter

  1. in direct trading between buyers and sellers: said of sales of stock not conducted through a stock exchange
  2. 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

  1. the opposite; contrary
  2. an opposing or checking force or action
  3. Obsolete the breast of a horse
  4. a stiff leather piece around the heel of a shoe or boot
  5. the curved, overhanging part of the stern of some ships
  6. a depression between the raised parts of a typeface
  7. Boxing counterpunch
  8. 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
  9. Football a play in which most blockers move in one direction while the running back with the ball moves in the opposite direction

transitive verb, intransitive verb

  1. to act, do, move, etc. counter to (a person or thing); oppose or check
  2. to say or do (something) in reply, defense, or retaliation
  3. Boxing to strike one's opponent while receiving or parrying (a blow)

counter Synonyms

counter

n.

board, shelf, ledge, stand, bar, buffet, table, worktable, worktop, butcher block, chopping block, showcase, display case; see also bench 2, table 1.

under the counter

black-market, surreptitious, unofficial; see illegal, secret 3, secretly.

counter Usage Examples

Object

  • threat: To counter these threats a wide range of steps were taken.
  • terrorism: There are few from which to choose; the United States has seldom used military force to counter terrorism.
  • proliferation: Countering the proliferation of MANPADS is a top national security priority of the United States.
  • propaganda: Fascists can't better counter the malicious propaganda to destroy friendly relations with Germany than by using this fact.

Converse of object

reset: Last updated: 2006-03-10 10:17:00 » How do I reset the invoice number counter?

Preposition: at

chemist: You can find these over the counter at the chemist / drug store.

Adjective modifier

proportional: The properties are important in proportional counters, ionization chambers, drift chambers and in the prediction of the electrical breakdown of gases.

Modifies a noun

  • terrorism: These skills are a national resource gained through hard-won experience, particularly in counter terrorism.
  • tenor: Working regularly with Ton Koopman and Amsterdam Baroque, Stephen Carter is sought after as one of the North's finest counter tenors.
  • attack: Matteo seized on the opportunity to set Leeds quickly onto a raking counter attack with a long ball to Viduka on the right flank.
  • accusation: In any case, it would be wise to alert someone else to your problem because the possibility of a counter accusation exists.
  • medication: For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available.

Adjective complement

  • productive: The cost to SMEs combined with the impending increases to the National Minimum Wage could be counter productive.
  • clockwise: Photos taken in the vertical position are later on rotated 90 degrees ( either clockwise or counter clockwise ).

Noun used with modifier

  • rev: The exception is the rev counter, which is a horizontal bar shown on another LCD display mounted above the steering column.
  • deli: Knows more about cheese than Tesco's deli counter.
  • delicatessen: T O Williams sell fresh bread and cakes and also has a delicatessen counter offering meats and cheeses.
  • calorie: There are no rigid meal plans, no low-fat recipes, no carb and calorie counters.
  • scintillation: There still are not notes as to where the data are inaccurate because of the problem with the scintillation counter... ' .
  • check-in: Details of our denied boarding rules are available on request at check-in counters.