counter
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1count·er
noun \ˈkau̇n-tər\Definition of COUNTER
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>
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English countour, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin computatorium computing place, from Latin computare
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with COUNTER
2count·er
noun \ˈkau̇n-tər\Definition of COUNTER
: one that counts; especially : a device for indicating a number or amount
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English, from Anglo-French cuntur, from cunter to count
First Known Use: 14th century
3coun·ter
verbcoun·teredcoun·ter·ing \ˈkau̇n-t(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of COUNTER
transitive verb
1
2
: to assert in answer <we countered that our warnings had been ignored>
intransitive verb
: to meet attacks or arguments with defensive or retaliatory steps
See Examples of COUNTER
- When they blamed him for the collapse of the bridge, he countered that his warnings about the bridge had been ignored.
- “I could say the same thing about you,” she countered.
- After she made her point, he could not counter with anything.
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English countren, from Anglo-French cuntre against, opposite, from Latin contra; akin to Latin com- with, together — more at co-
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to COUNTER
Rhymes with COUNTER
4coun·ter
adverbDefinition of COUNTER
1
: in an opposite or wrong direction
2
: to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect <values that run counter to those of society>
Origin of COUNTER
Middle English contre, from Anglo-French cuntre
First Known Use: 15th century
5coun·ter
nounDefinition of COUNTER
2
: the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
3
a : the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing); also : a blow thus given in boxing b : an agency or force that offsets : check
4
: a stiffener to give permanent form to a boot or shoe upper around the heel
5
: an area within the face of a letter wholly or partly enclosed by strokes
6
: a football play in which the ballcarrier goes in a direction opposite to the movement of the play
First Known Use of COUNTER
15th century
6coun·ter
adjectiveDefinition of COUNTER
1
: marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
2
: given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
3
: situated or lying opposite <the counter side>
4
: recalling or ordering back by a superseding contrary order : countermanding <counter orders from the colonel>
Examples of COUNTER
- <was unprepared for such a strong counter campaign by opponents of the legislative bill>
First Known Use of COUNTER
1582
Related to COUNTER
- Synonyms
- adverse, disadvantageous, hostile, inimical, negative, prejudicial, unfavorable, unfriendly, unsympathetic, untoward
- Antonyms
- advantageous, favorable, friendly, positive, supportive, sympathetic, well-disposed
Learn More About COUNTER
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: countenance (transitive verb)
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