counter play

Variant of counter

counter 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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