Word of the Day

: March 3, 2008

obverse

noun AHB-verss

What It Means

1 : the side of a coin or currency note bearing the chief device and lettering; broadly : a front or principal surface

2 : a counterpart having the opposite orientation or force; also : opposite

obverse in Context

The U.S. Mint has begun releasing a new series of $1 coins, each showing the name and likeness of a former U.S. president on the obverse.

Did You Know?

Heads or tails? If you called heads, "obverse" is the word for you. Since the 17th century, we've been using "obverse" for the front side of coins (usually, the side depicting the head or bust of a ruler). The opposite of this sense of "obverse" is "reverse," the back or "tails" side of a coin. Since the 19th century, "obverse" has also had the extended meaning "an opposing counterpart" or "opposite." Additionally, it can be an adjective meaning "facing the observer or opponent" or "being a counterpoint or complement."