Main Entry:

¹count·er

Pronunciation:

\ˈkau̇n-tər\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English countour, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin computatorium computing place, from Latin computare

Date:

14th century

1 : a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games 2 : something of value in bargaining : asset 3 : a level surface (as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted <jewelry counter> <a lunch counter>

— over the counter

1: in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange <stock bought over the counter>2: without a prescription <drugs available over the counter>

— under the counter

: by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner <workers being paid under the counter>