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
counter¹ 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 direction
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)
counter Synonyms
counter
n.
under the counter
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.
Browse dictionary entries near counter
- ‹ countenance
- ‹ countdown
- ‹ count up
- ‹ count palatine
- ‹ count over
- ‹ count out
- ‹ count on
- ‹ count off
- ‹ count noun
- ‹ count

