counter

counter
counter
counter1 [kount′ər]
n.
[ME countour: in senses 1 & 2 < OFr conteor < L computator < computare; in senses 3, 4, 5 < OFr contouer, counting room, table of a bank < ML computatorium < L computare,COMPUTE]
1.
a) a person or thing that counts; computer
b) any of various complex devices for detecting and counting ionizing particles, including Geiger and scintillation counters
2. an indicator on a machine, for keeping count of turns, strokes, etc. of the machine or its parts
3. a small object used in some games, as for keeping score
4. an imitation coin or token
5. a long table, board, cabinet top, etc., as in a store, lunchroom, or kitchen, for the display and sale of goods, the serving or preparing of food, etc.
——————
over the counter
1. in direct trading between buyers and sellers: said of sales of stock not conducted through a stock exchange
2. without a prescription [a drug that can be purchased over the counter]
——————
under the counter
in a surreptitious manner: said of sales, payments, etc. made illegally or unethically
counter2 [kount′ər]
adv.
[ME countre < OFr contre < L contra, against, CONTRA-]
in a contrary direction, manner, etc.; in opposition; opposite
adj.
that acts in opposition, tends in an opposite direction, or is opposite or contrary; opposed or opposing
n.
1. the opposite; contrary
2. an opposing or checking force or action
3. Obs. the breast of a horse
4. a stiff leather piece around the heel of a shoe or boot
5. the curved, overhanging part of the stern of some ships
6. a depression between the raised parts of a typeface: see TYPE
7. Boxing COUNTERPUNCH
8. Fencing a parry made with a circular motion of the blade in an attempt to divert the opponent's blade from whichever angle it is thrust
9. Football a play in which most blockers move in one direction while the running back with the ball moves in the opposite direction: in full counter play
vt., vi.
1. to act, do, move, etc. counter to (a person or thing); oppose or check
2. to say or do (something) in reply, defense, or retaliation
3. Boxing to strike one's opponent while receiving or parrying (a blow)

English World dictionary. . 2014.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу
Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Counter — Coun ter, a. Contrary; opposite; contrasted; opposed; adverse; antagonistic; as, a counter current; a counter revolution; a counter poison; a counter agent; counter fugue. Innumerable facts attesting the counter principle. I. Taylor. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • counter — coun‧ter [ˈkaʊntə ǁ ər] noun [countable] 1. COMMERCE the place where you are served in a shop, bank etc: • Please pay at the checkout counter. ˈtrade ˌcounter COMMERCE a part of a shop, factory, or website where a business can buy goods for less… …   Financial and business terms

  • counter — Ⅰ. counter [1] ► NOUN 1) a long flat topped fitment over which goods are sold or served or across which business is conducted with customers. 2) a small disc used in board games for keeping the score or as a place marker. 3) a token representing… …   English terms dictionary

  • Counter — Coun ter, adv. [F. contre, fr. L. contra against. Cf. {Contra }.] 1. Contrary; in opposition; in an opposite direction; contrariwise; used chiefly with run or go. [1913 Webster] Running counter to all the rules of virtue. Locks. [1913 Webster] 2 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • counter- — coun·ter / kau̇n tər/ prefix 1 a: contrary: opposite counter letter b: opposing: retaliatory counter action 2: complementary: corresponding …   Law dictionary

  • Counter- — Coun ter (koun t[ e]r ). Note: [See {Counter}, adv. ] A prefix meaning contrary, opposite, in opposition; as, counteract, counterbalance, countercheck. See {Counter}, adv. & a. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Counter — Count er (koun t[ e]r), n. [OE. countere, countour, a counter (in sense 1), OF. contere, conteor, fr. conter to count. See {Count}, v. t. ] 1. One who counts, or reckons up; a calculator; a reckoner. [1913 Webster] 2. A piece of metal, ivory,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Counter — Coun ter, n. [See {Counter}, adv., {Contra}.] 1. (Naut.) The after part of a vessel s body, from the water line to the stern, below and somewhat forward of the stern proper. [1913 Webster] 2. (Mus.) Same as {Contra}. Formerly used to designate… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • counter — [adj] opposite, opposing adverse, against, antagonistic, anti, antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, conflicting, contradictory, contrary, contrasting, converse, diametric, hindering, impeding, obstructive, obverse, opposed, polar, reverse;… …   New thesaurus

  • Counter — Coun ter, n. [OE. countour, OF. contouer, comptouer, F. comptoir, LL. computatorium, prop., a computing place, place of accounts, fr. L. computare. See {Count}, v. t.] A table or board on which money is counted and over which business is… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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