counter Definition

counter¹
noun

1. A long flat-topped fitting in a shop, cafeteria, bank, etc over which goods are sold, food is served or business is transacted.
2. In various board games: a small flat disc used as a playing-piece, especially in board games.
3. A disc-shaped token used as a substitute coin.
4. A device for counting something.

Example: Geiger counter
5. Someone who counts.

Idiom: over the counter

By the normal method of sale in a shop, etc.

Idiom: under the counter

By secret illegal sale, or by unlawful means.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin computare to reckon.

---

counter²
verb

tr & intr
countered, countering
1. To oppose, act against or hit back.

Thesaurus: answer, respond, retort, meet, return, offset, parry, thwart, resist, retaliate, conflict, contrast.

adverb

1. In the opposite direction to it; in contradiction of it.

Form: counter to something (often)

adj

1. Contrary; opposing.

Thesaurus: adverse, contrary, antithetical, opposed, contradictory, reverse, opposite.

noun

1. A return blow; an opposing move.
2. An opposite or contrary.
3. Something that can be used to one's advantage in negotiating or bargaining.
4. naut.
The curved, overhanging part of a ship's stern.

Idiom: run counter to something

To act in a way contrary to it.
Example: The results ran counter to our expectations

Etymology: 14c: from French contre, from Latin contra- against.