countercurrent

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​cur·​rent ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

: a current flowing in a direction opposite that of another current

countercurrent

2 of 2

adjective

coun·​ter·​cur·​rent ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkər-ənt 

-ˈkə-rənt

1

: flowing in an opposite direction

2

: involving flow of materials in opposite directions

countercurrent dialysis

countercurrently adverb

Examples of countercurrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But there is an alarming countercurrent that makes the coming release more ominous. — Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Still, some of the most standout moments at Coachella 2026 seemed almost indifferent to that logic, suggesting that — as music is wont to do — a countercurrent may be bubbling up. — Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

And yet, there are signs of a countercurrent, with some newer listening options hinting at a more cohesive alternative. — Jonathan Garrett, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025

Key features include a sun deck, with a large pool with countercurrent jets and a Jacuzzi, and five balconies and sea terraces, one of which connects to a lower deck guest cabin. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025

Similarly underdeveloped is any discussion of countercurrents from the right, which underwent its own midcentury cultural and intellectual renaissance. — Beverly Gage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021

The arrangement functions as a countercurrent heat exchanger, warming blood in the veins and cooling blood in the arteries. — Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

The perfumer is known for creating formulas that do not have many ingredients, running countercurrent to the way most fragrances are developed today. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for countercurrent

• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• undercurrent
• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• current

Kids Definition

countercurrent

noun

coun·​ter·​cur·​rent

ˈkaünt-ər-ˌkər-ənt, 

-ˌkə-rənt

: a current flowing in a direction opposite to that of another current

Medical Definition

countercurrent

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​cur·​rent ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌkər-ənt, -ˌkə-rənt 

: a current flowing in a direction opposite that of another current

countercurrent

2 of 2 adjective

ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈ 

1

: flowing in an opposite direction

2

: involving flow of materials in opposite directions

countercurrent dialysis

the countercurrent system of the kidney