counter Hear it!

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

counter 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
    in full counter play

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)

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook