The Wordsmith Dictionary

Coun "ter, n. Etym: [OE. countour, OF. contouer, comptouer, F.comptoir, LL. computatorium, prop. , a computing place, place of accounts, fr. L. computare. See Count, v. t.]

Defn: A table or board on which money is counted and over which business is transacted; a long, narrow table or bench, on which goods are laid for examination by purchasers, or on which they are weighed or measured.

COUNTER

Coun "ter, adv. Etym: [F. contre, fr. L. contra against. Cf. Contra-. ]

1. Contrary; in opposition; in an opposite direction; contrariwise; - - used chiefly with run or go. Running counter to all the rules of virtue. Locks.

2. In the wrong way; contrary to the right course; as, a hound that runs counter. This is counter, you false Danish dogs! Shak.

3. At or against the front or face. [R.] Which [darts ] they never throw counter, but at the back of the flier. Sandys.

COUNTER

COUNTER Coun "ter, a.

Defn: 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. Counter approach (Fort. ), a trench or work pushed forward from defensive works to meet the approaches of besiegers. See Approach. -- Counter bond (Law ), in old practice, a bond to secure one who has given bond for another. -- Counter brace. See Counter brace, in Vocabulary. -- Counter deed (Law ), a secret writing which destroys, invalidates, or alters, a public deed. -- Counter distinction, contradistinction. [Obs. ] -- Counter drain, a drain at the foot of the embankment of a canal or watercourse, for carrying off the water that may soak through. -- Counter extension (Surg.), the fixation of the upper part of a limb, while extension is practiced on the lower part, as in cases of luxation or fracture. -- Counter fissure (Surg.) Same as Contrafissure. -- Counter indication. (Med. ) Same as Contraindication. -- Counter irritant (Med. ), an irritant to produce a blister, a pustular eruption, or other irritation in some part of the body, in order to relieve an existing irritation in some other part. "Counter irritants are of as great use in moral as in physical diseases." Macaulay. -- Counter irritation (Med. ), the act or the result of applying a counter irritant. -- Counter opening, an aperture or vent on the opposite side, or in a different place. -Counter parole (Mil. ), a word in addition to the password, given in time of alarm as a signal. -- Counter plea (Law ), a replication to a plea. Cowell. -- Counter pressure, force or pressure that acts in a contrary direction to some other opposing pressure. -- Counter project, a project, scheme, or proposal brought forward in opposition to another, as in the negotiation of a treaty. Swift. -- Counter proof, in engraving, a print taken off from another just printed, which, by being passed through the press, gives a copy in reverse, and of course in the same position as that of plate from which the first was printed, the object being to enable the engraver to inspect the state of the plate. -- Counter revolution, a revolution opposed to a former one, and restoring a former state of things. -- Counter revolutionist, one engaged in, or befriending, a counter revolution. -- Counter round (Mil. ), a body of officers whose duty it is to visit and inspect the rounds and sentinels. -- Counter sea (Naut. ), a sea running in an opposite direction from the wind. -- Counter sense, opposite meaning. -- Counter signal, a signal to answer or correspond to another. -- Counter signature, the name of a secretary or other officer countersigned to a writing. . Tooke. -- Counter slope, an overhanging slope; as, a wall with a counter slope. Mahan. -- Counter statement, a statement made in opposition to, or denial of, another statement. -- Counter surety, a counter bond, or a surety to secure one who has given security. -- Counter tally, a tally corresponding to another. -- Counter tide, contrary tide.

COUNTER

Coun "ter, n. Etym: [See Counter, adv. , Contra. ]

1. (Naut. )

Defn: The after part of a vessel's body, from the water line to the stern, -- below and somewhat forward of the stern proper.

2. (Mus. )

Defn: Same as Contra. Formerly used to designate any under part which served for contrast to a principal part, but now used as equivalent to counter tenor.

3. (Far. )

Defn: The breast, or thet part of a horse between the shoulders and under the neck.

4. The back leather or heel part of a boot.

COUNTER

COUNTER Coun "ter (koun "tr ), n.

Defn: An encounter. [Obs. ] With kindly counter under mimic shade. Spenser.

COUNTER

COUNTER Coun "ter, v. i. (Boxing )

Defn: To return a blow while receiving one, as in boxing. His left hand countered provokingly. C. Kingsley.

COUNTERACT

Coun `ter *act " (koun `tr-kt "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counteracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Counteracting. ]

Defn: To act in opposition to; to hinder, defeat, or frustrate, by contrary agency or influence; as, to counteract the effect of medicines; to counteract good advice.

COUNTERACTION

COUNTERACTION Coun `ter *ac "tion (koun `tr-k "shn ), n.

Defn: Action in opposition; hindrance resistance. [They ] do not. .. overcome the counteraction of a false principle or of stubborn partiality. Johnson.

COUNTERACTIVE

COUNTERACTIVE Coun `ter *act "ive (-kt "v ), a.

Defn: Tending to counteract.

COUNTERACTIVE

COUNTERACTIVE Coun `ter *act "ive, n.

Defn: One who, or that which, counteracts.

COUNTERACTIVELY

COUNTERACTIVELY Coun `ter *act "ive *ly, adv.

Defn: By counteraction.

COUNTERBALANCE

Coun `ter *bal "ance (-bl "ans ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterbalanced (-anst ); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterbalancing. ]

Defn: To oppose with an equal weight or power; to counteract the power or effect of; to countervail; to equiponderate; to balance. The remaining air was not able to counterbalance the mercurial cylinder. Boyle.The cstudy of mind is necessary to counterbalance and correct the influence of the study of nature. Sir W. Hamilton.

COUNTERBALANCE

COUNTERBALANCE Coun "ter *bal `ance (koun "tr-bl `ans ), n.

Defn: A weight, power, or agency, acting against or balancing another; as: (a ) A mass of metal in one side of a driving wheel or fly wheel, to balance the weight of a crank pin, etc. , on the opposite side of the wheel. (b ) A counterpoise to balance the weight of anything, as of a drawbridge or a scale beam. Money is the counterbalance to all other things purchasable by it. Locke.

COUNTERBORE

COUNTERBORE Coun "ter *bore ` (-br `), n.

1. A flat-bottomed cylindrical enlargement of the mouth of a hole, usually of slight depth, as for receiving a cylindrical screw head.

2. A kind of pin drill with the cutting edge or edges normal to the axis; -- used for enlarging a hole, or for forming a flat-bottomed recess at its mouth.

COUNTERBORE

COUNTERBORE Coun `ter *bore " (koun `tr-br "), v. t.

Defn: To form a counterbore in, by boring, turning, or drilling; to enlarge, as a hole, by means of a counterbore.

COUNTER BRACE

COUNTER BRACE Coun "ter brace ` (brs `).

1. (Naut. )

Defn: The brace of the fore-topsail on the leeward side of a vessel.

2. (Engin. )

Defn: A brace, in a framed structure, which resists a strain of a character opposite to that which a main brace is designed to receive.

Note: In a quadrilateral system of bracing, the main brace is usually in the direction of one diagonal, and the counter brace in the direction of the other. Strains in counter braces are occasioned by the live load only, as, in a roof, by the wind, or, in a bridge, by a moving train.

COUNTERBRACE

COUNTERBRACE Coun "ter *brace `, v. t.

1. (Naut. )

Defn: To brace in opposite directions; as, to counterbrace the yards, i. e., to brace the head yards one way and the after yards another.

2. (Engin. )

Defn: To brace in such a way that opposite strains are resisted; to apply counter braces to.

COUNTERBUFF

COUNTERBUFF Coun `ter *buff " (koun `tr-bf "), v. t.

Defn: To strike or drive back or in an opposite direction; to stop by a blow or impulse in front. Dryden.

COUNTERBUFF

COUNTERBUFF Coun "ter *buff ` (koun "tr-bf `), n.

Defn: A blow in an opposite direction; a stroke that stops motion or cause a recoil.

COUNTERCAST

COUNTERCAST Coun "ter *cast ` (koun "tr-kst `), n.

Defn: A trick; a delusive contrivance. [Obs. ] Spenser.

COUNTERCASTER

COUNTERCASTER Coun "ter *cast `er (-r ), n.

Defn: A caster of accounts; a reckoner; a bookkeeper; -- used conteptuously.

COUNTERCHANGE

Coun `ter *change " (koun `tr-chnj ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterchanged (-chnjd "); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterchanging.]

1. To give and receive; to cause to change places; to exchange.

2. To checker; to diversify, as in heraldic counterchanging. See Counterchaged, a., 2. With-elms, that counterchange the floor Of this flat lawn with dusk and bright. Tennyson.

COUNTERCHANGE

COUNTERCHANGE Coun "ter *change ` (koun "tr-chnj `), n.

Defn: Exchange; reciprocation.

COUNTERCHANGED

COUNTERCHANGED Coun `ter *changed " (-chnjd "), a.

1. Exchanged.

2. (Her. )

Defn: Having the tinctures exchanged mutually; thus, if the field is divided palewise, or and azure, and cross is borne counterchanged, that part of the cross which comes on the azure side will be or, and that on the or side will be azure.

COUNTERCHARGE

COUNTERCHARGE Coun "ter *charge ` (koun "tr-chrj `), n.

Defn: An opposing charge.

COUNTERCHARM

Coun `ter *charm " (koun `tr-chrm "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countercharmed (-chrmd `); p. pr. & vb. n. Countercharming.]

Defn: To destroy the effect of a charm upon.

COUNTERCHARM

COUNTERCHARM Coun "ter *charm ` (koun "tr-chrm `), n.

Defn: That which has the power of destroying the effect of a charm.

COUNTERCHECK

Coun `ter *check " (koun `tr-chk "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterchecked (-chckt "); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterchecking.]

Defn: To oppose or check by some obstacle; to check by a return check.

COUNTERCHECK

COUNTERCHECK Coun "ter *check ` (koun "tr-chk `), n.

1. A check; a stop; a rebuke, or censure to check a reprover.

2. Any force or device designed to restrain another restraining force; a check upon a check. The system of checks and counterchecks. J. H. Newton.

COUNTERCLAIM

COUNTERCLAIM Coun "ter *claim ` (-klm `), n. (Law )

Defn: A claim made by a person as an offset to a claim made on him.

COUNTER-COMPONY

COUNTER-COMPONY Coun "ter-com *po `ny (-km-p `n ), a. (Her. )

Defn: See Compony.

COUNTER-COUCHANT

COUNTER-COUCHANT Coun "ter-couch `ant (koun "tr-kouch "ant ), a. (Her. )

Defn: Lying down, with their heads in opposite directions; -- said of animals borne in a coat of arms.

COUNTER-COURANT

COUNTER-COURANT Coun "ter-cou *rant " (-k-rnt "), a. (Her. )

Defn: Running in opposite directions; -- said of animals borne in a coast of arms.

COUNTERCURRENT

COUNTERCURRENT Coun "ter *cur `rent (koun "tr-kr `-rent ), a.

Defn: Running in an opposite direction.

COUNTERCURRENT

COUNTERCURRENT Coun "ter *cur `rent, n.

Defn: A current running in an opposite direction to the main current.

COUNTERDRAW

Coun `ter *draw " (koun `tr-dr "), v. t. [imp. Counterdrew (-dr "); p. p.Counterdrawn (-drn "); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterdrawing. ]

Defn: To copy, as a design or painting, by tracing with a pencil on oiled paper, or other transparent substance.

COUNTERFAISANCE

COUNTERFAISANCE Coun "ter *fai "sance (koun "tr-f "zans ), n.

Defn: See Counterfesance. [Obs. ]

COUNTERFEIT

Coun "ter *feit (koun "tr-ft ), a. Etym: [F. contrefait, p. p. of contrefaire to counterfeit; contre (L. contra ) + faire to make, fr. L. facere. See Counter, adv. , and Fact. ]

1. Representing by imitation or likeness; having a resemblance to something else; portrayed. Look here upon this picture, and on this-The counterfeit presentment of two brothers. Shak.

2. Fabricated in imitation of something else, with a view to defraud by passing the false copy for genuine or original; as, counterfeit antiques; counterfeit coin. "No counterfeit gem. " Robinson (More's Utopia ).

3. Assuming the appearance of something; false; spurious; deceitful; hypocritical; as, a counterfeit philanthropist. "An arrant counterfeit rascal. " Shak.

Syn. -- Forged; fictitious; spurious; false.

COUNTERFEIT

COUNTERFEIT Coun "ter *feit, n.

1. That which resembles or is like another thing; a likeness; a portrait; a counterpart. Thou drawest a counterfeit Best in all Athens. Shak. Even Nature's self envied the same, And grudged to see the counterfeit should shame The thing itself. Spenser.

2. That which is made in imitation of something, with a view to deceive by passing the false for the true; as, the bank note was a counterfeit. Never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit. Shak. Some of these counterfeits are fabricated with such exquisite taste and skill, that it is the achievement of criticism to distinguish them from originals. Macaulay.

3. One who pretends to be what he is not; one who personates another; an impostor; a cheat. I fear thou art another counterfeit; And yet, in faith, thou bears'st thee like a king. Shak.

COUNTERFEIT

Coun "ter *feit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterfeited; p. pr. & vb. n.Counterfeiting.]

1. To imitate, or put on a semblance of; to mimic; as, to counterfeit the voice of another person. Full well they laughed with counterfeited glee At all his jokes, for many a joke had he. Goldsmith.

2. To imitate with a view to deceiving, by passing the copy for that which is original or genuine; to forge; as, to counterfeit the signature of another, coins, notes, etc.

COUNTERFEIT

COUNTERFEIT Coun "ter *feit, v. i.

1. To carry on a deception; to dissemble; to feign; to pretend. The knave counterfeits well; a good knave. Shak.

2. To make counterfeits.

COUNTERFEITER

COUNTERFEITER Coun "ter *feit `er (-ft `r ), n.

1. One who counterfeits; one who copies or imitates; especially, one who copies or forges bank notes or coin; a forger. The coin which was corrupted by counterfeiters. Camden.

2. One who assumes a false appearance or semblance; one who makes false pretenses. Counterfeiters of devotion. Sherwood.

COUNTERFEITLY

COUNTERFEITLY Coun "ter *feit `ly, adv.

Defn: By forgery; falsely.

COUNTERFESANCE

Coun "ter *fe `sance (-f "zans ), n. Etym: [OF. contrefaisance, fr. contrefaire. See Counterfeit, a.]

Defn: The act of forging; forgery. [Obs. ] [Written also counterfaisance. ]

COUNTERFLEURY

Coun "ter *fleu `ry (koun "tr-fl `r ), a. Etym: [F. contrefleuri.] (Her. )

Defn: Counterflory.

COUNTERFLORY

Coun "ter *flo `ry (-fl `r ), a. Etym: [See Counterfleury. ] (Her. )

Defn: Adorned with flowers (usually fleurs-de-lis ) so divided that the tops appear on one side and the bottoms on the others; -- said of any ordinary.

COUNTERFOIL

Coun "ter *foil ` (-foil ), n. Etym: [Counter- + foil a leaf. ]

1. That part of a tally, formerly in the exchequer, which was kept by an officer in that court, the other, called the stock, being delivered to the person who had lent the king money on the account; - - called also counterstock. [Eng. ]

2. The part of a writing (as the stub of a bank check ) in which are noted the main particulars contained in the corresponding part, which has been issued.

COUNTERFORCE

COUNTERFORCE Coun "ter *force ` (-frs `), n.

Defn: An opposing force.

COUNTERFORT

COUNTERFORT Coun "ter *fort ` (-frt `), n.

1. (Fort. )

Defn: A kind of buttress of masonry to strengthen a revetment wall.

2. A spur or projection of a mountain. Imp. Dict.

COUNTERGAGE

COUNTERGAGE Coun "ter *gage ` (-gj `), n. (Carp. )

Defn: An adjustable gage, with double points for transferring measurements from one timber to another, as the breadth of a mortise to the place where the tenon is to be made. Knight.

COUNTERGLOW

COUNTERGLOW Coun "ter *glow `, n. (Astron.)

Defn: An exceedingly faint roundish or somewhat oblong nebulous light near the ecliptic and opposite the sun, best seen during September and October, when in the constellations Sagittarius and Pisces. Its cause is not yet understood. Called also Gegenschein.

COUNTERGUARD

COUNTERGUARD Coun "ter *guard ` (koun "tr-grd `), n. (Fort. )

Defn: A low outwork before a bastion or ravelin, consisting of two lines of rampart parallel to the faces of the bastion, and protecting them from a breaching fire.

COUNTERIRRITANT; COUNTERIRRITATION

COUNTERIRRITANT; COUNTERIRRITATION Coun "ter *ir `ri *tant (-r "r-tant ), n., Coun "ter *ir `ri *ta "tion, n.

Defn: See Counter irritant, etc. , under Counter, a.

COUNTERIRRITATE

COUNTERIRRITATE Coun "ter *ir "ri *tate (koun "tr-r "r-tt ), v. t. (Med. )

Defn: To produce counter irritation in; to treat with one morbid process for the purpose of curing another.

COUNTERJUMPER

COUNTERJUMPER Coun "ter *jump `er (koun "tr-jmp `r ), n.

Defn: A salesman in a shop; a shopman; -- used contemtuously. [Slang ]

COUNTERLATH

COUNTERLATH Coun "ter *lath `, n. (Building ) (a ) A batten laid lengthwise between two rafters to afford a bearing for laths laid crosswise. (b ) Any lath laid without actual measurement between two gauged laths. (c ) Any of a series of laths nailed to the timbers to raise the sheet lathing above their surface to afford a key for plastering. (d ) One of many laths used in preparing one side of a partition or framed wall, when the other side has been covered in and finished.

COUNTERMAN

Coun "ter *man (koun "tr-man ), n.; pl. Countermen (-men ).

Defn: A man who attends at the counter of a shop to sell goods. [Eng. ]

COUNTERMAND

Coun `ter *mand " (koun `tr-mnd "), v. t. [imp & p. p. Countermanded; p.pr. & vb. n. Countermanding. ] Etym: [F. contremander; contre (L. contra ) + mander to command, fr. L. mandare. Cf. Mandate. ]

1. To revoke (a former command ); to cancel or rescind by giving an order contrary to one previously given; as, to countermand an order for goods.

2. To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs. ] Avicen countermands letting blood in choleric bodles. Harvey.

3. To oppose; to revoke the command of. For us to alter anuthing, is to lift ourselves against God; and, as it were, to countermand him. Hooker.

COUNTERMAND

COUNTERMAND Coun "ter *mand (koun "tr-mnd ), n.

Defn: A contrary order; revocation of a former order or command. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet, But he must die to-morrow Shak.

COUNTERMANDABLE

COUNTERMANDABLE Coun `ter *mand "a *ble (-mnd "-b'l ), a.

Defn: Capable of being countermanded; revocable. Bacon.

COUNTERMARCH

Coun `ter *march " (koun `tr-mrch "), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Countermarched (-mrcht "); p. pr. & vb. n. Countermarching.] (Mil. )

Defn: To march back, or to march in reversed order. The two armies marched and countermarched, drew near and receded. Macaulay.

COUNTERMARCH

COUNTERMARCH Coun "ter *march ` (koun "tr-mrch `), n.

1. A marching back; retrocession.

2. (Mil. )

Defn: An evolution by which a body of troops change front or reverse the direction of march while retaining the same men in the front rank; also, a movement by which the rear rank becomes the front one, either with or without changing the right to the left.

3. A change of measures; alteration of conduct. Such countermarches and retractions as we do not willingly impute to wisdom. T. Burnet.

COUNTERMARK

COUNTERMARK Coun "ter *mark ` (-mrk `), n.

1. A mark or token added to those already existing, in order to afford security or proof; as, an additional or special mark put upon a package of goods belonging to several persons, that it may not be opened except in the presence of all; a mark added to that of an artificer of gold or silver work by the Goldsmiths' Company of London, to attest the standard quality of the gold or silver; a mark added to an ancient coin or medal, to show either its change of value or that it was taken from an enemy.

2. (Far. )

Defn: An artificial cavity made in the teeth of horses that have outgrown their natural mark, to disguise their age.

COUNTERMARK

COUNTERMARK Coun `ter *mark " (koun `tr-mrk "), v. t.

Defn: To apply a countenmark to; as, to countermark silverware; to countermark a horse's teeth.

COUNTERMINE

Coun "ter *mine ` (koun "tr-mn `), n. Etym: [Counter- + mine underground gallery: cf. F. contermine.]

1. (Mil. )

Defn: An underground gallery excavated to intercept and destroy the mining of an enemy.

2. A stratagem or plot by which another sratagem or project is defeated. Thinking himself contemned, knowing no countermine against contempt but terror. Sir P. Sidney.

COUNTERMINE

Coun `ter *mine " (koun `tr-mn "), v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. contreminer.] [imp. & p. p. Countermined; p. pr. & vb. n. Countermining.]

1. (Mil. )

Defn: To oppose by means or a countermine; to intercept with a countermine.

2. To frustrate or counteract by secret measures.

COUNTERMINE

COUNTERMINE Coun `ter *mine ", v. i.

Defn: To make a countermine or counterplot; to plot secretly. 'Tis hard for man to countermine with God. Chapman.

COUNTERMOVE

COUNTERMOVE Coun `ter *move " (koun `tr-mv "), v. t. & i.

Defn: To move in a contrary direction to.

COUNTERMOVE; COUNTERMOVEMENT

Coun "ter *move ` (-mv `), n. Coun "ter *move `ment (-ment ).

Defn: A movement in opposition to another.

COUNTERMURE

Coun "ter *mure ` (-mr `), n. Etym: [Counter- + mure: cf. F. contremur.](Fort. )

Defn: A wall raised behind another, to supply its place when breached or destroyed. [R.] Cf. Contramure. Knolles.

COUNTERMURE

Coun `ter *mure " (koun `tr-mr "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countermured (-mrd "); p. pr. & vb. n. Countermuring.] Etym: [Cf. F. contremurer.]

Defn: To fortify with a wall behind another wall. [R.] Kyd.

COUNTERNATURAL

COUNTERNATURAL Coun "ter *nat `u *ral (koun "tr-nt `-ral; 135 ), a.

Defn: Contrary to nature. [R.] Harvey.

COUNTER-PALY

Coun "ter-pa `ly (-p `l ), a. Etym: [F. contre-palé.] (Her. )

Defn: Paly, and then divided fesswise, so that each vertical piece is cut into two, having the colors used alternately or counterchanged. Thus the escutcheon in the illustration may also be blazoned paly of six per fess counterchanged argent and azure.

COUNTERPANE

Coun "ter *pane ` (koun "tr-pn `), n. Etym: [See Counterpoint, corrupted into counterpane, from the employment of pane-shaped figures in these coverlets. ]

Defn: A coverlet for a bed, -- originally stitched or woven in squares or figures. On which a tissue counterpane was cast. Drayton.

COUNTERPANE

Coun "ter *pane `, n. Etym: [OF. contrepan a pledge, security; contre +pan a skirt, also, a pawn or gage, F. pan a skirt. See Pane, and cf. Pawn. ] (O. Law )

Defn: A duplicate part or copy of an indenture, deed, etc. , corresponding with the original; -- now called counterpart. Read, scribe; give me the counterpane. B. Jonson.

COUNTERPART

COUNTERPART Coun "ter *part ` (koun "tr-prt `), n.

1. A part corresponding to another part; anything which answers, or corresponds, to another; a copy; a duplicate; a facsimile. In same things the laws of Normandy agreed with the laws of England, so that they seem to be, as it were, copies or counterparts one of another. Sir M. Hale.

2. (Law )

Defn: One of two corresponding copies of an instrument; a duplicate.

3. A person who closely resembles another.

4. A thing may be applied to another thing so as to fit perfectly, as a seal to its impression; hence, a thing which is adapted to another thing, or which suplements it; that which serves to complete or complement anything; hence, a person or thing having qualities lacking in another; an opposite. O counterpart Of our soft sex, well are you made our lords. Dryden.

COUNTERPASSANT

Coun "ter *pas `sant (-ps "sant ), a. Etym: [Counter- + passant: cf. F.contrepassant.] (Her. )

Defn: Passant in opposite directions; -- said of two animals.

COUNTERPLEAD

COUNTERPLEAD Coun `ter *plead " (koun `tr-pld "), v. t.

Defn: To plead the contrary of; to plead against; to deny.

COUNTERPLOT

Coun `ter *plot " (koun `tr-plt "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterplotted;p.pr. & vb. n. Counterplotting. ]

Defn: To oppose, as another plot, by plotting; to attempt to frustrate, as a stratagem, by stratagem. Every wile had proved abortive, every plot had been counterplotted. De Quinsey.

COUNTERPLOT

COUNTERPLOT Coun "ter *plot ` (koun "tr-plt `), n.

Defn: A plot or artifice opposed to another. L'Estrange.

COUNTERPOINT

Coun "ter *point ` (koun "tr-point `), n. Etym: [Counter- + point. ]

Defn: An opposite point [Obs. ] Sir E. Sandys.

COUNTERPOINT

Coun "ter *point `, n. Etym: [F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. Contrapuntal. ] (Mus. ) (a ) The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given canto fermo or melody. (b ) The art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by one or more related melodies. (c ) Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See Polyphony. Counterpoint, an invention equivalent to a new creation of music. Whewell.

COUNTERPOINT

Coun "ter *point `, n. Etym: [OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf. Cushion ) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see Point ). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another. ]

Defn: A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane. Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of purple silk. Sir T. North.

COUNTERPOISE

COUNTERPOISE Coun "ter *poise ` (koun "tr-poiz `; 277 ), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Counterpoised (-poizd `); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterpoising. ] Etym: [OE. countrepesen, counterpeisen, F. contrepeser. See Counter, adv. , and Poise, v. t. ]

1. To act against with equal weight; to equal in weght; to balance the weight of; to counterbalance. Weigts, counterpoising one another. Sir K. Digby.

2. To act against with equal power; to balance. So many freeholders of English will be able to beard and counterpoise the rest. Spenser.

COUNTERPOISE

Coun "ter *poise ` (koun "tr-poiz `), n. Etym: [OE. countrepese, OF. contrepois, F. contrepods. See Counter, adv. , and Poise, n.]

1. A weight sufficient to balance another, as in the opposite scale of a balance; an equal weight. Fastening that to our exact balance, we put a metalline counterpoise into the opposite scale. Boyle.

2. An equal power or force acting in opposition; a force sufficient to balance another force. The second nobles are a counterpoise to the higher nobility, that they grow not too potent. Bacon.

3. The relation of two weights or forces which balance each other; equilibrum; equiponderance. The pendulous round eart, with balanced air, In counterpoise. Milton.

COUNTERPOLE

COUNTERPOLE Coun "ter *pole ` (-pl `), n.

Defn: The exact opposite. The German prose offers the counterpole to the French style. De Quincey.

COUNTERPONDERATE

COUNTERPONDERATE Coun `ter *pon "der *ate (-pn "dr-t ), v. t.

Defn: TO equal in weight; to counterpoise; to equiponderate.

COUNTERPROVE

Coun `ter *prove " (koun `tr-prv "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counterproved (-prvd "); p. pr. & vb. n. Counterproving.]

Defn: To take a counter proof of, or a copy in reverse, by taking an impression directly from the face of an original. See Counter proof, under Counter.

COUNTERREVOLUTIONARY; COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARY

COUNTERREVOLUTIONARY; COUNTER-REVOLUTIONARY counterrevolutionary counter-revolutionary adj.

Defn: marked by opposition or antipathy to revolution; as, ostracized for his counterrevolutionary tendencies. Opposite of revolutionary. [WordNet 1.5 ]

COUNTER-ROLL

Coun "ter-roll ` (-rl `), n. Etym: [Cf. Control. ] (O. Eng. Law )

Defn: A duplicate roll (record or account ) kept by an officer as a check upon another officer's roll. Burrill.

Note: As a verb this word is contracted into control. See Control.

COUNTERROLMENT

COUNTERROLMENT Coun `ter *rol "ment (koun `tr-rl "ment ), n.

Defn: A counter account. See Control. [Obs. ] Bacon.

COUNTER-SALIENT

COUNTER-SALIENT Coun `ter-sa "li *ent (-s "l-ent or -sl "yent; 1 6 ), a. (Her. )

Defn: Leaping from each other; -- said of two figures on a coast of arms.

COUNTERSCALE

COUNTERSCALE Coun "ter *scale ` (koun "tr-skl `), n.

Defn: Counterbalance; balance, as of one scale against another. [Obs. ] Howell.

COUNTERSCARF

Coun "ter *scarf ` (-skrf `), n. Etym: [Counter- + scarp: cf. F.contrescarpe.] (Fort. )

Defn: The exterior slope or wall of the ditch; -- sometimes, the whole covered way, beyond the ditch, with its parapet and glacis; as, the enemy have lodged themselves on the counterscarp.

COUNTERSEAL

Coun `ter *seal " (koun `tr-sl "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countersealed (-sld "); p. pr. & vb. n. Countersealing.]

Defn: To seal or ratify with another or others. Shak.

COUNTERSECURE

COUNTERSECURE Coun `ter *se *cure " (-s-kr "), v. t.

Defn: To give additional security to or for. Burke.

COUNTERSHAFT

COUNTERSHAFT Coun "ter *shaft ` (koun "tr-shft `), n. (Mach. )

Defn: An intermediate shaft; esp. , one which receives motion from a line shaft in a factory and transmits it to a machine.

COUNTERSIGN

Coun `ter *sign " (-sn `; 277 ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countersigned (-snd `); p. pr. & vb. n. Countersigning. ] Etym: [Counter- + sign: cf. F. contresigner. ]

Defn: To sign on the opposite side of (an instrument or writing ); hence, to sign in addition to the signature of a principal or superior, in order to attest the authenticity of a writing.

COUNTERSIGN

COUNTERSIGN Coun "ter *sign `, a.

1. The signature of a secretary or other officer to a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest its authenticity.

2. (Mil. )

Defn: A private signal, word, or phrase, which must be given in order to pass a sentry; a watchword.

COUNTERSINK

Coun "ter *sink ` (koun "tr-sk `; 277 ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countersunk (-s; p. pr. & vb. n. Countersinking.]

1. To chamfer or form a depression around the top of (a hole in wood, metal, etc. ) for the reception of the head of a screw or bolt below the surface, either wholly or in part; as, to countersink a hole for a screw.

2. To cause to sink even with or below the surface; as, to countersink a screw or bolt into woodwork.

COUNTERSINK

COUNTERSINK Coun "ter *sink `, n.

1. An enlargement of the upper part of a hole, forming a cavity or depression for receiving the head of a screw or bolt.

Note: In the United States a flaring cavity formed by chamfering the edges of a round hole is called a countersink, while a cylindrical flat-bottomed enlargement of the mouth of the hole is usually called a conterbore.

2. A drill or cutting tool for countersinking holes.

COUNTERSTAND

COUNTERSTAND Coun "ter *stand ` (-st, n.

Defn: Resistance; opposition; a stand against. Making counterstand to Robert Guiscard. Longfellow.

COUNTERSTEP

COUNTERSTEP Coun "ter *step ` (koun "tr-stp `), n.

Defn: A contrary method of procedure; opposite course of action.

COUNTERSTOCK

COUNTERSTOCK Coun "ter *stock ` (-stk `), n.

Defn: See Counterfoil.

COUNTERSTROKE

COUNTERSTROKE Coun "ter *stroke ` (-strk `), n.

Defn: A stroke or blow in return. Spenser.

COUNTERSUNK

COUNTERSUNK Coun "ter *sunk ` (-snk `), p. p. & a. from Countersink.

1. Chamfered at the top; -- said of a hole.

2. Sunk into a chamfer; as, a countersunk bolt.

3. Beveled on the lower side, so as to fit a chamfered countersink; as, a countersunk nailhead.

COUNTERSWAY

COUNTERSWAY Coun "ter *sway ` (-sw `), n.

Defn: A swaying in a contrary direction; an opposing influence. [Obs. ] A countersway of restraint, curbing their wild exorbitance. Milton.

COUNTER TENOR

Coun "ter ten `or (tn `r ). Etym: [OF. contreteneur. Cf. Contratenor, and see Tenor a part in music. ] (Mus. )

Defn: One of the middle parts in music, between the tenor and the treble; high tenor. Counter-tenor clef (Mus. ), the C clef when placed on the third line; -- also called alto clef.

COUNTERTERM

COUNTERTERM Coun "ter *term ` (-trm `), n.

Defn: A term or word which is the opposite of, or antithesis to, another; an antonym; -- the opposite of synonym; as, "foe " is the counterterm of "friend ". C. J. Smith.

COUNTERTIME

COUNTERTIME Coun "ter *time ` (-tm `), n.

1. (Man. )

Defn: The resistance of a horse, that interrupts his cadence and the measure of his manege, occasioned by a bad horseman, or the bad temper of the horse.

2. Resistance; opposition. [Obs. ] Give not shus the countertime to fate. Dryden.

COUNTERTRIPPANT

COUNTERTRIPPANT Coun "ter *trip `pant (-trp `pant ), a. (Her. )

Defn: Trippant in opposite directions. See Trippant.

COUNTERTRIPPING

COUNTERTRIPPING Coun "ter *trip `ping (-trp `png ), a. (Her. )

Defn: Same as Countertrippant.

COUNTERTURN

COUNTERTURN Coun "ter *turn ` (-t, n.

Defn: The critical moment in a play, when, contrary to expectation, the action is embroiled in new difficulties. Dryden.

COUNTERVAIL

Coun `ter *vail " (koun `tr-vl "), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countervailed (-vld ); p. pr. & vb. n. Countervailing. ] Etym: [OF. contrevaloir; contre (L. contra ) + valoir to avail, fr. L. valere to be strong, avail. See Vallant.]

Defn: To act against with equal force, power, or effect; to thwart or overcome by such action; to furnish an equivalent to or for; to counterbalance; to compensate. Upon balancing the account, the profit at last will hardly countervail the inconveniences that go allong with it. L'Estrange.

COUNTERVAIL

COUNTERVAIL Coun "ter *vail ` (koun "tr-vl `), n.

Defn: Power or value sufficient to obviate any effect; equal weight, strength, or value; equivalent; compensation; requital. [Obs. ] Surely, the present pleasure of a sinful act is a poor countervail for the bitterness of the review. South.

COUNTERVALLATION

COUNTERVALLATION Coun `ter *val *la "tion (-vl-l "sn ), n. (Fort. )

Defn: See Contravallation.

COUNTERVIEW

COUNTERVIEW Coun "ter *view ` (koun "tr-v `), n.

1. An opposite or opposing view; opposition; a posture in which two persons front each other. Within the gates of hell sat Death and Sin, In counterview. Milton M. Peisse has ably advocated the counterview in his preface and appendixx. Sir W. Hamilton.

2. A position in which two dissimilar things illustrate each other by opposition; contrast. I have drawn some lines of Linger's character, on purpose to place it in counterview, or contrast with that of the other company. Swift.

COUNTERVOTE

COUNTERVOTE Coun `ter *vote " (koun `tr-vt "), v. t.

Defn: To vote in opposition ti; to balance or overcome by viting; to outvote. Dr. J. Scott.

COUNTERWAIT

COUNTERWAIT Coun `ter *wait ", v. t.

Defn: To wait or watch for; to be on guard against. [Obs. ] Chaucer.

COUNTERWEIGH

COUNTERWEIGH Coun `ter *weigh " (-w "), v. t.

Defn: To weigh against; to counterbalance.

COUNTER WEIGHT

COUNTER WEIGHT Coun "ter *weight ` (-wt `), n.

Defn: A counterpoise.

COUNTERWHEEL

COUNTERWHEEL Coun `ter *wheel " (-hwl "), v. t. (Mil. )

Defn: To cause to wheel or turn in an opposite direction.

COUNTERWORK

COUNTERWORK Coun `ter *work " (-wrk "), v. t.

Defn: To work in oppositeion to; to counteract. That counterworksh folly and caprice. Pope.

New American Oxford Dictionary

counter

coun ter 1 |ˈkountər ˈkaʊn (t )ər | ▶noun 1 a long flat-topped fixture in a store or bank across which business is conducted with customers. • a similar structure used for serving food and drinks in a cafeteria or bar. • a countertop. 2 an apparatus used for counting: the counter tells you how many pictures you have taken. • a person who counts something, for example votes in an election. • Physics an apparatus used for counting individual ionizing particles or events. 3 a small disk used as a place marker or for keeping the score in board games. • a token representing a coin. PHRASES behind the counter serving in a store or bank: ask the young man behind the counter. over the counter by ordinary retail purchase, with no need for a prescription or license: [ as adj. ] : over-the-counter medicines. • (of share transactions ) taking place outside the stock exchange system. under the counter (or table ) (with reference to goods bought or sold ) surreptitiously and typically illegally: certain labs have been peddling this drug under the counter | [ as adj. ] : an under-the-counter deal. ORIGIN Middle English ( sense 3 ): from Old French conteor, from medieval Latin computatorium, from Latin computare (see compute ).

counter

coun ter 2 |ˈkaʊn (t )ər ˈkountər | ▶verb [ with obj. ] speak or act in opposition to: the second argument is more difficult to counter. • [ no obj. ] respond to hostile speech or action: “What would you like me to do about it? ” she countered. • [ no obj. ] Boxing give a return blow while parrying: he countered with a left hook. ▶adverb (counter to ) in the opposite direction to or in conflict with: some actions by the authorities ran counter to the call for leniency. ▶adjective responding to something of the same kind, esp. in opposition. See also counter-. ▶noun 1 [ usu. in sing. ] a thing that opposes or prevents something else: the stimulus to employers' organization was partly a counter to growing union power. • an answer to an argument or criticism: he anticipates an objection and plans his counter. • Boxing a blow given while parrying; a counterpunch. 2 the curved part of the stern of a ship projecting aft above the waterline. 3 Printing the white space enclosed by a letter such as O or c. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contre, from Latin contra ‘against, ’ or directly from counter- .

counter

coun ter 3 |ˈkaʊn (t )ər ˈkountər | ▶noun the back part of a shoe or boot, enclosing the heel. ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of counterfort ‘buttress, ’ from French contrefort .

counter-

coun ter- |ˈkaʊntə | ▶prefix denoting opposition, retaliation, or rivalry: counterattack | counterespionage. • denoting movement or effect in the opposite direction: counterbalance | counterpoise. • denoting correspondence, duplication, or substitution: counterpart | counterpoint. ORIGIN from Anglo-Norman French countre-, Old French contre, from Latin contra ‘against. ’

counteract

coun ter act |ˈkountərˌakt kaʊntərˈækt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] act against (something ) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it: should we deliberately intervene in the climate system to counteract global warming? DERIVATIVES coun ter ac tion |ˌkountərˈakSHən |noun, coun ter ac tive |kountərˈaktiv |adjective

counterargument

coun ter ar gu ment |ˈkountərˈärgyəmənt ˌkaʊntərˈɑrɡjəmənt | ▶noun an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument: the obvious counterargument to that dire prediction is that the recession has depressed earnings.

counterattack

coun ter at tack |ˈkountərəˌtak ˈkaʊntərətæk | ▶noun an attack made in response to one by an enemy or opponent. ▶verb [ no obj. ] attack in response: as deputies tried to dislodge him, he counterattacked by forcing through elections. DERIVATIVES coun ter-at tack er noun

counter-attraction

counter-attrac ¦tion |ˈkaʊnt (ə )rətrakʃ (ə )n | ▶noun a rival attraction: it is a pity that this book may not triumph over the counter-attractions on the booksellers' shelves.

counterbalance

coun ter bal ance ▶noun |ˈkountərˌbaləns ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌbæləns |a weight that balances another weight. • a factor having the opposite effect to that of another and so preventing it from exercising a disproportionate influence: his restoration to power was intended as a counterbalance to his rival's influence. ▶verb |ˌkountərˈbaləns ˌkaʊntərˈbæləns | [ with obj. ] (of a weight ) balance (another weight ). • neutralize or cancel by exerting an opposite influence: the extra cost of mail order may be counterbalanced by its convenience.

counterblast

coun ¦ter |blast |ˈkaʊntəblɑːst | ▶noun a strongly worded reply to someone else's views: a counterblast to the growing propaganda of the Left.

counterblow

coun ter blow |ˈkountərˌblō ˈkaʊntərbloʊ | ▶noun a blow given in return.

counterbore

coun ter bore |ˈkountərˌbôr ˈkaʊntərbɔr | ▶noun a drilled hole that has a flat-bottomed enlargement at its mouth. • a drill whose bit has a uniform smaller diameter near the tip, for drilling counterbores in one operation. ▶verb [ with obj. ] drill a counterbore in (an object ).

counterchange

coun ter change |ˈkountərˌCHānj ˈˌkaʊn (t )ərˈˌtʃeɪnʤ | ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 change (places or parts ); interchange. 2 literary checker with contrasting colors. • Heraldry interchange the tinctures of (a charge ) with that of a divided field. ▶noun change that is equivalent in degree but opposite in effect to a previous change. ORIGIN late Middle English (as a heraldic term ): from French contrechanger, from contre (expressing substitution ) + changer ‘to change. ’

countercharge

coun ter charge |ˈkountərˌCHärj ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌtʃɑrʤ | ▶noun an accusation made in turn by someone against their accuser: charges and countercharges concerning producers, quotas, and affidavits. • a charge by police or an armed force in response to one made against them.

countercheck

count er check |ˈkountərˌCHek ˈˌkaʊn (t )ərˈˌtʃɛk | ▶noun 1 a second check for security or accuracy. 2 archaic a restraint. ▶verb [ with obj. ] archaic stop (something ) by acting to cancel or counteract it: the king with his own hand wrote to countercheck his former decree.

counterclaim

coun ter claim |ˈkountərˌklām ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌkleɪm | ▶noun a claim made to rebut a previous claim. • Law a claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff. ▶verb [ no obj. ] chiefly Law make a counterclaim for something.

counterclockwise

coun ter clock wise |ˌkountərˈkläkˌwīz ˌkaʊn (t )ərˈklɑkˌwaɪz | ▶adverb & adjective in the opposite direction to the way in which the hands of a clock move around.

counterconditioning

coun ter con di tion ing |ˌkountərkənˈdiSH (ə )niNG ˌkaʊntərkənˈdiʃənɪŋ | ▶noun a technique employed in animal training, and in the treatment of phobias and similar conditions in humans, in which behavior incompatible with a habitual undesirable pattern is induced. Compare with decondition ( sense 2 ).

counterculture

coun ter cul ture |ˈkountərˌkəlCHər ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌkəltʃər | ▶noun a way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm: the idealists of the 60s counterculture.

countercurrent

coun ter cur rent ▶noun |ˈkountərˌkərənt ˈkaʊntərˌkərənt |a current flowing in an opposite direction to another. ▶adverb |ˌkountərˈkərənt ˌkaʊntərˈkərənt |in or with opposite directions of flow.

counterdemonstration

coun ter dem on stra tion |ˈkountərˌdemənˈstrāSHən ˈkaʊntərˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən | ▶noun a public demonstration organized in order to express opposition to the aims of another demonstration: an effort by right-wing elements to organize a counterdemonstration failed.

counterespionage

coun ter es pi o nage |ˌkountərˈespēəˌnäZH, -ˌnäj ˌkaʊntərˈɛspiənɑʒ | ▶noun activities designed to prevent or thwart spying by an enemy.

counterfactual

coun ter fac tu al |ˌkountərˈfakCHo͞oəl ˌkaʊn (t )ərˈfæk (t )ʃ (əw )əl |Philosophy ▶adjective relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case. ▶noun a counterfactual conditional statement (e.g., If kangaroos had no tails, they would topple over ).

counterfeit

coun ter feit |ˈkountərˌfit ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌfɪt | ▶adjective made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud: two men were remanded on bail on a charge of passing counterfeit $10 bills. • pretended; sham: a counterfeit image of reality. ▶noun a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery: he knew the tapes to be counterfeits. ▶verb [ with obj. ] imitate fraudulently: my signature is extremely hard to counterfeit. • pretend to feel or possess (an emotion or quality ): no pretense could have counterfeited such terror. • literary resemble closely: sleep counterfeited Death so well. DERIVATIVES coun ter feit er noun ORIGIN Middle English (as a verb ): from Anglo-Norman French countrefeter, from Old French contrefait, past participle of contrefaire, from Latin contra- ‘in opposition ’ + facere ‘make. ’

counterfoil

coun ter foil |ˈkountərˌfoil ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌfɔɪl | ▶noun chiefly Brit. the part of a check, receipt, ticket, or other document that is torn off and kept as a record by the person issuing it.

counterinsurgency

coun ter in sur gen cy |ˌkountərinˈsərjənsē ˌkaʊntərɪnˈsərʤənsi | ▶noun [ usu. as modifier ] military or political action taken against the activities of guerrillas or revolutionaries: a counterinsurgency force.

counterintelligence

coun ter in tel li gence |ˌkountərinˈteləjəns ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtɛləʤəns | ▶noun activities designed to prevent or thwart spying, intelligence gathering, and sabotage by an enemy or other foreign entity.

counterintuitive

coun ter in tu i tive |ˌkountərinˈt (y )o͞oitiv ˌkaʊntərɪnˈt (j )uɪtɪv | ▶adjective contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation (but often nevertheless true ). DERIVATIVES coun ter in tu i tive ly adverb

counterirritant

coun ter ir ri tant |ˌkountərˈiritənt ˌkaʊntərˈɪrədənt | ▶noun something such as heat or an ointment that is used to produce surface irritation of the skin, thereby counteracting underlying pain or discomfort. DERIVATIVES coun ter ir ri ta tion |-ˌiriˈtāSHən |noun

counter-jumper

counter-jumper ▶noun informal, derogatory a shop assistant.

countermand

coun ter mand |ˌkountərˈmand, ˈkountərˌmand ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌmænd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] revoke (an order ): an order to arrest the strike leaders had been countermanded. • revoke an order issued by (another person ): he was already countermanding her. • declare (a vote or election ) invalid. the election commission has countermanded voting on the grounds of intimidation. ▶noun an order revoking a previous one. I forthwith mounted, and went off, lest I should receive a countermand. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contremander (verb ), contremand (noun ), from medieval Latin contramandare, from contra- ‘against ’ + mandare ‘to order. ’

countermarch

coun ter march |ˈkountərˌmärCH ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌmɑrtʃ | ▶verb [ no obj. ] march in the opposite direction or back along the same route. ▶noun an act or instance of marching in this way.

countermark

coun ter mark |ˈkountərˌmärk ˈkaʊntərmɑrk | ▶noun chiefly Brit. an additional mark placed on something already marked, typically for increased security. • a second watermark.

countermeasure

coun ter meas ure |ˈkountərˌmeZHər ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌmɛʒər | ▶noun an action taken to counteract a danger or threat.

countermelody

coun ter mel o dy |ˈkountərˌmelədē ˌkaʊntərˈmɛlədi | ▶noun ( pl. countermelodies ) a subordinate melody accompanying a principal one.

countermine

coun ter mine |ˈkountərˌmīn ˈkaʊntərmaɪn |Military ▶noun an excavation dug to intercept another dug by an enemy. ▶verb [ with obj. ] dig a countermine against.

countermove

coun ter move |ˈkountərˌmo͞ov ˈkaʊntərmuv | ▶noun a move or other action made in opposition to another. DERIVATIVES coun ter move ment noun

counternarcotics

coun ter nar cot ics |ˈkountərˌnärˈkätiks ˈkaʊntərˌnɑrˈkɑtɪks | ▶noun measures or activities designed to prevent the use or distrubution of iillegal narcotic drugs. the US is spending over $800m a year on counternarcotics. [ as modifier ] : he was in charge of CIA counternarcotics operations in the Golden Triangle area.

counteroffensive

coun ter of fen sive |ˈkountərəˌfensiv ˈkaʊn (t )ərəˌfɛnsɪv | ▶noun an attack made in response to one from an enemy, typically on a large scale or for a prolonged period.

counteroffer

coun ter of fer |ˈkountərˌôfər, -ˌäfər ˈkaʊntərɔfər | ▶noun an offer made in response to another.

counterpane

coun ter pane |ˈkountərˌpān ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌpeɪn | ▶noun dated a bedspread. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: alteration of counterpoint, from Old French contrepointe, based on medieval Latin culcitra puncta ‘quilted mattress ’ ( puncta, literally meaning ‘pricked, ’ from the verb pungere ). The change in the ending was due to association with pane in an obsolete sense ‘cloth. ’

counterpart

coun ter part |ˈkountərˌpärt ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌpɑrt | ▶noun 1 a person or thing holding a position or performing a function that corresponds to that of another person or thing in another place: the minister held talks with his French counterpart. 2 Law one of two or more copies of a legal document.

counterpart fund

coun ¦ter |part fund ▶noun a sum of money accrued in a local currency arising from goods or services received from abroad.

counterparty

coun ¦ter |party ▶noun an opposite party in a contract or financial transaction.

counterplot

coun ter plot |ˈkountərˌplät ˈkaʊntərplɑt | ▶noun a plot intended to thwart another plot. ▶verb ( counterplots, counterplotting, counterplotted ) [ no obj. ] devise a counterplot.

counterpoint

coun ter point |ˈkountərˌpoint ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌpɔɪnt | ▶noun 1 Music the art or technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules. • a melody played in conjunction with another. 2 an argument, idea, or theme used to create a contrast with the main element: I have used my interviews with parents as a counterpoint to a professional judgment. ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 Music add counterpoint to (a melody ): the orchestra counterpoints the vocal part. 2 emphasize by contrast: the cream walls and maple floors are counterpointed by black accents. • compensate for: the story's fanciful excesses are counterpointed with some sharp and unsentimental dialogue. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contrepoint, from medieval Latin contrapunctum ‘(song ) pricked or marked over against (the original melody ),’ from contra- ‘against ’ + punctum, from pungere ‘to prick. ’

counterpoise

coun ter poise |ˈkountərˌpoiz ˈkaʊntərpɔɪz | ▶noun a factor, force, or influence that balances or neutralizes another: they see the power of Brussels as a counterpoise to that of London. money is a good counterpoise to beauty. • a counterbalancing weight. • a state of equilibrium. ▶verb [ with obj. ] have an opposing and balancing effect on: excess on one hand is counterpoised by fundamental lack on the other. • bring into contrast: the stories counterpoise a young recruit with an old-timer. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contrepois, from contre ‘against ’ + pois from Latin pensum ‘weight. ’ Compare with poise 1. The verb, originally counterpeise, from Old French contrepeser, was altered under the influence of the noun in the 16th cent.

counterpose

coun ter pose |ˌkountərˈpōz ˈkaʊntərpoʊz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] set against or in opposition to. DERIVATIVES coun ter po si tion |-pəˈziSHən |noun

counterproductive

coun ter pro duc tive |ˌkountərprəˈdəktiv ˈˌkaʊn (t )ərprəˈdəktɪv | ▶adjective having the opposite of the desired effect: the response to the disaster was unsuccessful and perhaps even counterproductive.

counterproliferation

coun ter pro lif er a tion |kountərprəˌlifəˈrāSHən kaʊntərprəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən | ▶noun action intended to prevent an increase or spread in the possession of nuclear weapons.

counterproposal

coun ter pro pos al |ˈkountərprəˈpōzəl ˌkaʊntərprəˈpoʊzəl | ▶noun an alternative proposal made in response to a previous proposal that is regarded as unacceptable or unsatisfactory: the union rejected the airline's counterproposal.

counterpunch

coun ter punch |ˈkountərˌpənCH ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌpəntʃ |Boxing ▶noun a punch thrown in return for one received. ▶verb [ no obj. ] throw a counterpunch. DERIVATIVES coun ter punch er noun

Counter-Reformation

Coun ter-Ref or ma tion the reform of the Church of Rome in the 16th and 17th centuries that was stimulated by the Protestant Reformation. Measures to oppose the spread of the Reformation were decided on at the Council of Trent (1545 –63 ), and the Jesuit order became the spearhead of the Counter-Reformation, both within Europe and abroad. Although most of northern Europe remained Protestant, southern Germany and Poland were brought back to the Roman Catholic Church.

counterrevolution

coun ter rev o lu tion |ˌkountərˌrevəˈlo͞oSHən ˌkaʊntərˌrɛvəˈluʃən | ▶noun a revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results. DERIVATIVES coun ter rev o lu tion ar y |-ˌnerē |adjective & noun

counterrotate

coun ter ro tate |ˌkountərˈrōˌtāt ˌkaʊntərˈroʊteɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] rotate in opposite directions, esp. about the same axis. DERIVATIVES coun ter ro ta tion |-rōˈtāSHən |noun

counterscarp

coun ter scarp |ˈkountərˌskärp ˈkaʊntərskɑrp | ▶noun the outer wall of a ditch in a fortification. Compare with scarp. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French contrescarpe, from Italian controscarpa; compare with scarp .

countershading

coun ter shad ing |ˈkountərˌSHādiNG ˈkaʊntərˌʃeɪdɪŋ | ▶noun Zoology protective coloration of some animals in which parts normally in shadow are light and those exposed to the sky are dark. DERIVATIVES coun ter shad ed |-ˌSHādid |adjective

countershaft

coun ter shaft |ˈkountərˌSHaft ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌʃæft | ▶noun a machine driveshaft that transmits motion from the main shaft to where it is required, such as the drive axle in a vehicle.

countersign

coun ter sign |ˈkountərˌsīn ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌsaɪn | ▶verb [ with obj. ] add a signature to (a document already signed by another person ): each check had to be signed and countersigned. ▶noun archaic a signal or password given in reply to a soldier on guard. DERIVATIVES coun ter sig na ture |ˌkountərˈsignəCHər, -ˌCHo͝or |noun ORIGIN late 16th cent. (as a noun ): from French contresigner (verb ), contresigne (noun ), from Italian contrassegno, based on Latin signum ‘sign. ’

countersink

coun ter sink |ˈkountərˌsiNGk ˈkaʊntərsɪŋk | ▶verb ( past and past participle countersunk |-ˌsəNGk | ) [ with obj. ] enlarge and bevel the rim of (a drilled hole ) so that a screw, nail, or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. • drive (a screw, nail, or bolt ) into such a hole.

counterspy

coun ter spy |ˈkountərˌspī ˈkaʊntərspaɪ | ▶noun ( pl. counterspies ) a spy engaged in counterespionage.

counterstain

coun ter stain |ˈkountərˌstān ˈkaʊntərsteɪn |Biology ▶noun an additional dye used in a microscopy specimen to produce a contrasting background or to make clearer the distinction between different kinds of tissue. ▶verb [ with obj. ] treat (a specimen ) with a counterstain.

counterstory

coun ter sto ry |ˈkountərˌstôrē ˈkaʊntərstɔri | ▶noun an alternative or opposing narrative or explanation.

counterstroke

coun ¦ter |stroke |ˈkaʊntəstrəʊk | ▶noun an attack carried out in retaliation.

countersubject

coun ter sub ject |ˈkountərˌsəbjikt, -ˌjekt ˈkaʊntərsʌbɪkt | ▶noun Music a second or subsidiary subject, esp. accompanying the subject or its answer in a fugue.

countertenor

coun ter ten or |ˈkountərˌtenər ˈkaʊntərtɛnər | ▶noun Music the highest male adult singing voice (sometimes distinguished from the male alto voice by its strong, pure tone ). • a singer with such a voice. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French contre-teneur, from obsolete Italian contratenore, based on Latin tenor (see tenor 1 ). Compare with contralto .

counterterrorism

coun ter ter ror ism |ˌkountərˈterəˌrizəm ˌkaʊntərˈtɛrərɪzəm | ▶noun political or military activities designed to prevent or thwart terrorism. DERIVATIVES coun ter ter ror ist |ˌkountərˈterərist |noun & adjective

countertop

coun ter top |ˈkountərˌtäp ˈkaʊntərtɑːp | ▶noun a flat surface for working on, esp. in a kitchen.

countertrade

coun ter trade |ˈkountərˌtrād ˈkaʊntərtreɪd | ▶noun international trade by exchange of goods rather than by currency purchase.

countertransference

coun ter trans fer ence |ˌkountərˌtransˈfərəns, -ˌtranz- ˌkaʊntərˌtrænsˈfərəns | ▶noun Psychoanalysis the emotional reaction of the analyst to the subject's contribution. Compare with transference.

countervail

coun ter vail |ˌkountərˈvāl ˈkaʊntərveɪl | ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as adj. countervailing ) offset the effect of (something ) by countering it with something of equal force: the dominance of the party was mediated by a number of countervailing factors. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘be equivalent to in value, compensate for ’): from Anglo-Norman French contrevaloir, from Latin contra valere ‘be of worth against. ’

countervailing duty

coun ter vail ing du ty ▶noun an import tax imposed on certain goods in order to prevent dumping or counter export subsidies.

countervalue

coun ¦ter |value |ˈkaʊntəvaljuː | ▶noun Brit. an equivalent or equal, especially in military strategy: [ as modifier ] : countervalue weapons.

counterweight

coun ter weight |ˈkountərˌwāt ˈkaʊn (t )ərˌweɪt | ▶noun another term for counterbalance.

Oxford Dictionary

counter

counter 1 |ˈkaʊntə | ▶noun 1 a long flat-topped fitment across which business is conducted in a shop or bank or refreshments are served in a cafeteria. • N. Amer. a worktop. 2 a small disc used in board games for keeping the score or as a place marker. • a token representing a coin. • a factor used to give one party an advantage in negotiations: the proposal has become a crucial bargaining counter over prices. 3 a device used for counting: the counter tells you how many pictures you have taken. • a person who counts something, for example votes in an election. • Physics an apparatus used for counting individual ionizing particles or events. PHRASES behind the counter serving in a shop or bank. over the counter by ordinary retail purchase, with no need for a prescription or licence: [ as modifier ] : over-the-counter medicines. • (of share transactions ) taking place outside the stock exchange system. under the counter (or table ) (with reference to goods bought or sold ) surreptitiously and typically illegally: hard porn is legally banned, but still available under the counter | [ as modifier ] : an under-the-counter deal. ORIGIN Middle English (in sense 2 ): from Old French conteor, from medieval Latin computatorium, from Latin computare (see compute ).

counter

counter 2 |ˈkaʊntə | ▶verb [ with obj. ] speak or act in opposition to: the second argument is more difficult to counter. • [ no obj. ] respond to hostile speech or action: the possibility of the enemy being able to counter with similar missiles was remote. • [ no obj. ] Boxing give a return blow while parrying: he countered with a left hook. ▶adverb (counter to ) in the opposite direction or in opposition to: his writing ran counter to the dominant trends of the decade. ▶adjective responding to something of the same kind, especially in opposition: after years of argument and counter argument there is no conclusive answer. See also counter-. ▶noun 1 [ usu. in sing. ] a thing which opposes or prevents something else: the stimulus to employers' organization was partly a counter to growing union power. • an answer to an argument or criticism: he anticipates an objection and plans his counter. • Boxing a blow given while parrying; a counterpunch. 2 the curved part of the stern of a ship projecting aft above the waterline. 3 Printing the white space enclosed by a letter such as O or c. PHRASES go (or Brit. hunt or run ) counter run or ride against the direction taken by a quarry. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contre, from Latin contra ‘against ’, or directly from counter- .

counter

counter 3 |ˈkaʊntə | ▶noun the back part of a shoe or boot, enclosing the heel. ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of counterfort ‘buttress ’, from French contrefort .

counter-

counter- |ˈkaʊntə | ▶prefix denoting opposition, retaliation, or rivalry: counter-attack | counter-espionage. • denoting movement or effect in the opposite direction: counterpoise. • denoting correspondence, duplication, or substitution: counterpart. ORIGIN from Anglo-Norman French countre-, Old French contre, from Latin contra ‘against ’.

counteract

coun ¦ter |act |kaʊntərˈakt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] act against (something ) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it: should we deliberately intervene in the climate system to counteract global warming? DERIVATIVES counteraction noun, counteractive adjective

counterargument

counterargument |ˈkaʊntəˌɑːgjʊm (ə )nt | ▶noun an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument: the obvious counterargument to that dire prediction is that the recession has depressed earnings.

counter-attack

counter-attack ▶noun an attack made in response to one by an opponent. ▶verb [ no obj. ] attack in response: as deputies tried to dislodge him, he counter-attacked by forcing through elections. DERIVATIVES counter-attacker noun

counter-attraction

counter-attrac ¦tion |ˈkaʊnt (ə )rətrakʃ (ə )n | ▶noun a rival attraction: it is a pity that this book may not triumph over the counter-attractions on the booksellers' shelves.

counterbalance

coun ¦ter |bal ¦ance ▶noun |ˈkaʊntəˌbal (ə )ns |a weight that balances another weight. • a factor having the opposite effect to that of another and so preventing it from exercising a disproportionate influence: his restoration to power was intended as a counterbalance to his rival's influence. ▶verb |ˌkaʊntəˈbal (ə )ns | [ with obj. ] (of a weight ) balance (another weight ). • neutralize or cancel by exerting an opposite influence: the extra cost of mail order may be counterbalanced by its convenience.

counterblast

coun ¦ter |blast |ˈkaʊntəblɑːst | ▶noun a strongly worded reply to someone else's views: a counterblast to the growing propaganda of the Left.

counterblow

coun ter blow |ˈkountərˌblō ˈkaʊntərbloʊ | ▶noun a blow given in return.

counterbore

coun ¦ter |bore |ˈkaʊntəbɔː | ▶noun a drilled hole that has a wider section at the top. • a drill whose bit has a uniform smaller diameter near the tip, for drilling counterbores in one operation. ▶verb [ with obj. ] drill a counterbore in (an object ).

counterchange

coun ¦ter |change |ˈkaʊntətʃeɪn (d )ʒ | ▶verb [ with obj. ] literary chequer with contrasting colours. • Heraldry interchange the tinctures of (a charge ) with that of a divided field. ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 change that is equivalent in degree but opposite in effect to a previous change. 2 patterning in which a dark motif on a light ground alternates with the same motif light on a dark ground. ORIGIN late Middle English (as a heraldic term ): from French contrechanger, from contre (expressing substitution ) + changer ‘to change ’.

countercharge

coun ¦ter |charge |ˈkaʊntətʃɑːdʒ | ▶noun 1 an accusation made in turn by someone against their accuser: charges and countercharges concerning producers, quotas, and affidavits. 2 a charge by police or an armed force in response to one made against them.

countercheck

coun ¦ter |check |ˈkaʊntətʃɛk | ▶noun 1 a second check for security or accuracy. 2 archaic a restraint. 3 archaic a sharp or incisive retort. ▶verb [ with obj. ] archaic stop (something ) by acting to cancel or counteract it.

counterclaim

coun ¦ter |claim |ˈkaʊntəkleɪm | ▶noun a claim made to rebut a previous claim. • Law a claim made by a defendant against a plaintiff. ▶verb [ no obj. ] chiefly Law make a counterclaim for something.

counterclockwise

coun ¦ter |clock ¦wise |kaʊntəˈklɒkwʌɪz | ▶adverb & adjective North American term for anticlockwise.

counter-conditioning

counter-condition ¦ing ▶noun [ mass noun ] a technique employed in animal training and the treatment of phobias and similar conditions in humans, in which behaviour incompatible with a habitual undesirable pattern is induced. Compare with deconditioning.

counterculture

coun ¦ter |cul ¦ture |ˈkaʊntəkʌltʃə | ▶noun a way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm: the idealists of the 60s counterculture. DERIVATIVES countercultural adjective

countercurrent

coun ¦ter |cur ¦rent ▶noun a current flowing in an opposite direction to another. ▶adverb in or with opposite directions of flow.

counterdemonstration

counterdemonstration |ˈkaʊntədɛmənˌstreɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun a public demonstration organized in order to express opposition to the aims of another demonstration: an effort by right-wing elements to organize a counterdemonstration failed.

counter-espionage

counter-espion ¦age ▶noun [ mass noun ] activities designed to prevent or thwart spying by an enemy.

counterfactual

counterfactual |ˌkaʊntəˈfaktʃʊəl, -tjʊəl |Philosophy ▶adjective relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case. ▶noun a counterfactual conditional statement (e.g. If kangaroos had no tails, they would topple over ).

counterfeit

coun ¦ter |feit |ˈkaʊntəfɪt, -fiːt | ▶adjective made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud: counterfeit £10 notes. • pretended; sham: a counterfeit image of reality. ▶noun a fraudulent imitation of something else: he knew the tapes to be counterfeits. ▶verb [ with obj. ] imitate fraudulently: my signature is extremely hard to counterfeit. • pretend to feel or possess (an emotion or quality ): no pretence could have counterfeited such terror. • literary resemble closely: sleep counterfeited Death so well. DERIVATIVES counterfeiter noun ORIGIN Middle English (as a verb ): from Anglo-Norman French countrefeter, from Old French contrefait, past participle of contrefaire, from Latin contra- ‘in opposition ’ + facere ‘make ’.

counterfoil

coun ¦ter |foil |ˈkaʊntəfɔɪl | ▶noun Brit. the part of a cheque, receipt, ticket, or other document that is torn off and kept as a record by the person issuing it.

counter-insurgency

counter-insurgency ▶noun [ mass noun ] military or political action taken against the activities of guerrillas or revolutionaries: [ as modifier ] : a counter-insurgency force.

counter-intelligence

counter-intelli ¦gence ▶noun another term for counter-espionage.

counter-intuitive

counter-intuitive ▶adjective contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation. DERIVATIVES counter-intuitively adverb

counterirritant

counter-jumper

counter-jumper ▶noun informal, derogatory a shop assistant.

countermand

countermand |ˌkaʊntəˈmɑːnd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] revoke or cancel (an order ): an order to arrest the strike leaders had been countermanded. • revoke or cancel an order issued by (another person ): he was already countermanding her. • declare (a vote or election ) invalid. ▶noun an order revoking a previous one. I forthwith mounted, and went off, lest I should receive a countermand. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contremander (verb ), contremand (noun ), from medieval Latin contramandare, from contra- ‘against ’ + mandare ‘to order ’.

countermarch

coun ¦ter |march |ˈkaʊntəmɑːtʃ | ▶verb [ no obj. ] march in the opposite direction or back along the same route. ▶noun an act or instance of marching in the opposite direction.

countermark

coun ¦ter |mark |ˈkaʊntəmɑːk | ▶noun an additional mark placed on something already marked, especially for increased security. • a second watermark.

countermeasure

coun ¦ter |meas ¦ure |ˈkaʊntəmɛʒə | ▶noun an action taken to counteract a danger or threat.

countermelody

coun ¦ter |mel ¦ody |ˈkaʊntəˌmɛlədi | ▶noun ( pl. countermelodies ) a subordinate melody accompanying a principal one.

countermine

coun ¦ter |mine |ˈkaʊntəmʌɪn | ▶noun Military an excavation dug to intercept another dug by an enemy. ▶verb [ with obj. ] dig a countermine against: (as noun countermining ) : countermining would be impossible given their shortage of gun powder.

countermove

coun ¦ter |move |ˈkaʊntəmuːv | ▶noun a move or other action made in opposition to another. DERIVATIVES countermovement noun

counternarcotics

counternarcotics |ˈkaʊntənɑːˌkɒtiks | ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] measures or activities designed to prevent the use or distribution of illegal narcotic drugs. the US is spending over $800m a year on counternarcotics. [ as modifier ] : he was in charge of CIA counternarcotics operations in the Golden Triangle area.

counteroffensive

coun ¦ter |offen ¦sive |ˈkaʊnt (ə )rəfɛnsɪv | ▶noun an attack made in response to one from an enemy, typically on a large scale or for a prolonged period.

counter-offer

counter-offer ▶noun an offer made in response to another.

counterpane

coun ¦ter |pane |ˈkaʊntəpeɪn | ▶noun dated a bedspread. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: alteration of counterpoint, from Old French contrepointe, based on medieval Latin culcitra puncta ‘quilted mattress ’ ( puncta, literally meaning ‘pricked ’, from the verb pungere ). The change in the ending was due to association with pane in an obsolete sense ‘cloth ’.

counterpart

coun ¦ter |part |ˈkaʊntəpɑːt | ▶noun 1 a person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another person or thing in a different place or situation: the minister held talks with his French counterpart. 2 Law one of two copies of a legal document.

counterpart fund

coun ¦ter |part fund ▶noun a sum of money accrued in a local currency arising from goods or services received from abroad.

counterparty

coun ¦ter |party ▶noun an opposite party in a contract or financial transaction.

counterplot

coun ¦ter |plot |ˈkaʊntəplɒt | ▶noun a plot intended to thwart another plot. ▶verb ( counterplots, counterplotting, counterplotted ) [ no obj. ] devise a counterplot.

counterpoint

coun ¦ter |point |ˈkaʊntəpɔɪnt | ▶noun 1 [ mass noun ] Music the technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules. • [ count noun ] a melody played in conjunction with another. 2 a thing that forms a pleasing or notable contrast to something else: the sauce made a piquant counterpoint to the ham. ▶verb [ with obj. ] 1 Music add counterpoint to (a melody ): the orchestra counterpoints the vocal part. 2 emphasize by contrast: the cream walls and maple floors are counterpointed by black accents. • compensate for: the yarn's fanciful excesses are counterpointed with some sharp and unsentimental dialogue. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contrepoint, from medieval Latin contrapunctum ‘(song ) pricked or marked over against (the original melody )’, from contra- ‘against ’ + punctum, from pungere ‘to prick ’.

counterpoise

coun ¦ter |poise |ˈkaʊntəpɔɪz | ▶noun a factor or force that balances or neutralizes another: the organization sees the power of Brussels as a counterpoise to that of London. • a counterbalancing weight. • a state of equilibrium. ▶verb [ with obj. ] have an opposing and balancing effect on: they make a delightful couple, his gentle intellectuality counterpoised by her firm practicality. • bring into contrast: the stories counterpoise a young recruit with an old-timer. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French contrepois from contre ‘against ’ + pois from Latin pensum ‘weight ’. Compare with poise 1. The verb, originally counterpeise, from Old French contrepeser, was altered under the influence of the noun in the 16th cent.

counterpose

counterproductive

coun ¦ter |pro ¦duct ¦ive |ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv | ▶adjective having the opposite of the desired effect: child experts fear the Executive's plans may prove counterproductive.

counterproliferation

counterproliferation |kaʊntəprəlɪfəˈreɪʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] action intended to prevent an increase or spread in the possession of nuclear weapons.

counterproposal

counterproposal |ˈkaʊntəprəˌpəʊz (ə )l | ▶noun an alternative proposal made in response to a previous proposal that is regarded as unacceptable or unsatisfactory: the union rejected the airline's counterproposal.

counterpunch

counterpunch |ˈkaʊntəpʌn (t )ʃ |Boxing ▶noun a punch thrown in return for one received. ▶verb [ no obj. ] throw a counterpunch. DERIVATIVES counterpuncher noun

Counter-Reformation

Counter-Reform ¦ation the reform of the Church of Rome in the 16th and 17th centuries which was stimulated by the Protestant Reformation. Measures to oppose the spread of the Reformation were resolved on at the Council of Trent (1545 –63 ) and the Jesuit order became the spearhead of the Counter-Reformation, both within Europe and abroad. Although most of northern Europe remained Protestant, southern Germany and Poland were brought back to the Roman Catholic Church.

counter-revolution

counter-revolu ¦tion ▶noun a revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results. DERIVATIVES counter-revolutionary adjective & noun

counterrotate

coun ¦ter |rotate |kaʊntərəʊˈteɪt | ▶verb [ no obj. ] rotate in opposite directions, especially about the same axis. DERIVATIVES counterrotation noun

counterscarp

coun ¦ter |scarp |ˈkaʊntəskɑːp | ▶noun the outer wall of a ditch in a fortification. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from French contrescarpe, from Italian controscarpa; compare with scarp .

countershading

coun ¦ter |shad ¦ing |ˈkaʊntəˌʃeɪdɪŋ | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Zoology protective coloration used by some animals in which parts normally in shadow are light and those exposed to the sky are dark. DERIVATIVES countershaded adjective

countershaft

coun ¦ter |shaft |ˈkaʊntəʃɑːft | ▶noun a machine driveshaft that transmits motion from the main shaft to where it is required, such as the drive axle in a vehicle.

countersign

coun ¦ter |sign |ˈkaʊntəsʌɪn | ▶verb [ with obj. ] add a signature to (a document already signed by another person ): each cheque had to be signed and countersigned. ▶noun archaic a signal or password given in reply to a soldier on guard. DERIVATIVES countersignature |-ˈsɪgnətʃə |noun ORIGIN late 16th cent. (as a noun ): from French contresigner (verb ), contresigne (noun ), from Italian contrassegno, based on Latin signum ‘sign ’.

countersink

coun ¦ter |sink |ˈkaʊntəsɪŋk | ▶verb ( past and past participle countersunk ) [ with obj. ] enlarge and bevel the rim of (a drilled hole ) so that a screw, nail, or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. • drive (a screw, nail, or bolt ) into a countersunk hole.

counterspy

counterspy |ˈkaʊntəspʌɪ | ▶noun ( pl. counterspies ) a spy engaged in counter-espionage.

counterstain

counterstain |ˈkaʊntəˌsteɪn |Biology ▶noun an additional dye used in a microscopy specimen to produce a contrasting background or to make clearer the distinction between different kinds of tissue. ▶verb [ with obj. ] treat (a specimen ) with a counterstain.

counterstory

coun ter sto ry |ˈkountərˌstôrē ˈkaʊntərstɔri | ▶noun an alternative or opposing narrative or explanation.

counterstroke

coun ¦ter |stroke |ˈkaʊntəstrəʊk | ▶noun an attack carried out in retaliation.

countersubject

coun ¦ter |sub ¦ject |ˈkaʊntəˌsʌbdʒɛkt | ▶noun Music a second or subsidiary subject, especially accompanying the subject or its answer in a fugue.

countertenor

coun ¦ter |tenor ▶noun Music the highest male adult singing voice (sometimes distinguished from the male alto voice by its strong, pure tone ). • a singer with a countertenor voice. ORIGIN late Middle English: from French contre-teneur, from obsolete Italian contratenore, based on Latin tenor (see tenor 1 ).

counterterrorism

coun ¦ter |terror |ism |kaʊntəˈtɛrərɪzəm | ▶noun [ mass noun ] political or military activities designed to prevent or thwart terrorism. DERIVATIVES counterterrorist noun

countertop

coun ¦ter |top |ˈkaʊntətɒp | ▶noun North American term for worktop.

countertrade

coun ¦ter |trade ▶noun [ mass noun ] international trade by exchange of goods rather than by currency purchase.

countertransference

counter-transfer ¦ence |kəʊntəˈtransf (ə )r (ə )ns | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Psychoanalysis the emotional reaction of the analyst to the subject's contribution.

countervail

countervail |ˌkaʊntəˈveɪl | ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as adj. countervailing ) offset the effect of (something ) by countering it with something of equal force: the dominance of the party was mediated by a number of countervailing factors. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘be equivalent to in value ’): from Anglo-Norman French contrevaloir, from Latin contra valere ‘be of worth against ’.

countervailing duty

coun ¦ter |vail |ing duty ▶noun an import tax imposed on certain goods in order to prevent dumping or counter export subsidies.

countervalue

coun ¦ter |value |ˈkaʊntəvaljuː | ▶noun Brit. an equivalent or equal, especially in military strategy: [ as modifier ] : countervalue weapons.

counterweight

coun ¦ter |weight |ˈkaʊntəweɪt | ▶noun another term for counterbalance.

American Oxford Thesaurus

counter

counter 1 noun the sugar is in a canister on the counter: work surface, countertop, work table; bar; checkout (counter ).

counter

counter 2 verb 1 workers countered accusations of dishonesty: respond to, parry, hit back at, answer, retort to. 2 the second argument is more difficult to counter: oppose, dispute, argue against /with, contradict, controvert, negate, counteract; challenge, contest; formal gainsay, confute. ANTONYMS support. ▶adjective a counter bid: opposing, opposed, opposite. PHRASES counter to nearly all of his proposals are counter to our original agreement: against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, in conflict with, at odds with.

counteract

counteract verb 1 new measures to counteract drug trafficking: prevent, thwart, frustrate, foil, impede, curb, hinder, hamper, check, put a stop to, put /bring a end to, defeat. ANTONYMS encourage. 2 a drug to counteract the side effects: offset, counterbalance, balance (out ), cancel out, even out, counterpoise, countervail, compensate for, make up for, remedy; neutralize, nullify, negate, invalidate. ANTONYMS enhance, exacerbate.

counterbalance

counterbalance verb the risk is counterbalanced by the potential high yields: compensate for, make up for, offset, balance (out ), even out, counterpoise, counteract, equalize, neutralize; nullify, negate, undo.

counterfeit

counterfeit adjective counterfeit $100 bills: fake, faked, bogus, forged, imitation, spurious, substitute, ersatz, phony. ANTONYMS genuine. ▶noun the notes were counterfeits: fake, forgery, copy, reproduction, imitation; fraud, sham; informal phony, knockoff. ANTONYMS original. ▶verb 1 his signature was hard to counterfeit: fake, forge, copy, reproduce, imitate. 2 he grew tired of counterfeiting interest: feign, simulate, pretend, fake, sham.

countermand

countermand verb orders were being issued and then countermanded: revoke, rescind, reverse, undo, repeal, retract, withdraw, quash, overturn, overrule, cancel, annul, invalidate, nullify, negate; Law disaffirm, discharge, vacate; formal abrogate. ANTONYMS uphold.

counterpane

counterpane noun dated See bedspread.

counterpart

counterpart noun the minister held talks with his French counterpart: equivalent, opposite number, peer, equal, coequal, parallel, complement, analog, match, twin, mate, fellow, brother, sister; formal compeer.

Oxford Thesaurus

counter

counter 1 noun 1 he left his groceries on the counter: worktop, work surface, worktable, table, bench, buffet, top, horizontal surface; checkout, bar, stand. 2 the idea of the game is to collect the most counters: token, chip, disc, jetton; piece, man, marker, wafer; N. Amer. check.

counter

counter 2 verb the workers countered accusations of dishonesty with claims of oppression: parry, hit back at, answer, respond to, retort to, contradict, negate; ward off, fend off, stave off, deflect, rebuff, rebut, repel, repulse, hold at bay; combat, fight, attack, tackle, confront, stand up to, put up a fight against, oppose, resist, dispute, argue against; counteract; informal shoot full of holes, blow sky high; formal gainsay; rare controvert, confute, negative. ANTONYMS support. ▶adjective after years of argument and counter argument there is no conclusive answer: opposing, opposed, opposite, contrary, adverse, conflicting, contradictory, contrasting, obverse, different, differing. ANTONYMS complementary. ▶adverb the policy would run counter to EC plans: against, in opposition to, contrary to, at variance with, in defiance of, in contravention of, contrarily, contrariwise, conversely; against the tide, in the opposite direction, in the reverse direction, in the wrong direction. ANTONYMS in accordance with.

counteract

counteract verb 1 new measures were brought in to counteract counterfeiting: prevent, thwart, frustrate, foil, impede, curb, restrain, forestall, hinder, hamper, baulk, oppose, act against, stall, check, resist, withstand, defeat, put a stop to, bring an end to; fend off, ward off, stave off, head off. ANTONYMS encourage. 2 studying foreign history counteracts tendencies to insularity: offset, counterbalance, balance, balance out, cancel out, even out, counterpoise, countervail, compensate for, make up for, remedy; neutralize, nullify, annul, negate, invalidate; rare counterweigh, equilibrize, negative. ANTONYMS enhance, exacerbate.

counterbalance

counterbalance verb the risk of failure tends to be counterbalanced by high rewards: compensate for, make up for, offset, balance, balance out, even out, equalize, neutralize, nullify, negate, undo, countervail, counterpoise, counteract; rare counterweigh, equilibrize, negative.

counterfeit

counterfeit adjective they were charged with supplying counterfeit cassettes: fake, faked, copied, forged, feigned, simulated, sham, spurious, bogus, imitation, substitute, dummy, ersatz; informal knock-off, pirate, pirated, phoney, pseud, pseudo; Brit. informal, dated cod. ANTONYMS genuine. ▶noun the shopkeeper knew the notes to be counterfeits: fake, forgery, copy, reproduction, replica, imitation, likeness, lookalike, mock-up, dummy, substitute, fraud, sham; informal phoney, pirate, knock-off, rip-off, put-on, dupe. ANTONYMS original. ▶verb my signature is extremely hard to counterfeit: fake, forge, copy, reproduce, replicate, imitate, simulate, feign, falsify, sham; informal pirate.

countermand

countermand verb orders were being issued and then countermanded: revoke, rescind, reverse, undo, repeal, retract, withdraw, take back, abrogate, abolish, quash, scrap, override, overturn, overrule, do away with, set aside, cancel, annul, invalidate, nullify, negate, veto, declare null and void; back-pedal on, backtrack on, do a U-turn on; Law disaffirm, discharge, avoid, vacate, vitiate; informal axe, ditch, dump, knock on the head; archaic recall; rare disannul. ANTONYMS uphold.

counterpart

counterpart noun the president held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart: equivalent, opposite number, peer, equal, parallel, complement, match, twin, mate, fellow, brother, sister, analogue, correlative; copy, duplicate; rare compeer, coequal.

Duden Dictionary

Counter

Coun ter Substantiv, maskulin , der |ˈka͜untɐ |der Counter; Genitiv: des Counters, Plural: die Counter englisch counter = Ladentisch, Theke, über das Altfranzösische zu mittellateinisch computatorium = Tisch des Geldwechslers, zu lateinisch computare, Computer a Flugwesen Schalter im Flughafen, an dem die Flugreisenden abgefertigt werden b Touristik Theke in Reisebüros u. Ä.

Counter-Display

Coun ter-Dis play , Coun ter dis play Substantiv, Neutrum Werbesprache , das Counterdisplay |…dɪspleɪ …dɪspleɪ |das Counter-Display; Genitiv: des Counter-Displays, Plural: die Counter-Displays das Counterdisplay; Genitiv: des Counterdisplays, Plural: die Counterdisplays bildliche Darstellung einer Ware für den Ladentisch als Thekenaufsteller

Counterpart

Coun ter part Substantiv, maskulin , der |ˈka͜untɐpart |der Counterpart; Genitiv: des Counterparts, Plural: die Counterparts englisch counterpart = Gegenstück, aus: counter- = Gegen- und part = Teil, Stück Gegenstück 1 der Vorsitzende der CDU und sein Counterpart aus der SPD | sein chinesischer Counterpart passte auf ihn auf

Countertenor

Coun ter te nor Substantiv, maskulin Musik , der |ˈka͜untɐ …|englisch a Contratenor b Altus

Sanseido Wisdom Dictionary

counter

count er 1 /káʊntə r /〖「count 1 (計算する )er (人物 )」＞「計算をする場所 (カウンター )」〗名詞複～s /-z /C 1 ｟主に米｠(台所の )調理台 , 流し台 (｟英｠worktop ).2 (店銀行レストランなどの )カウンター , 勘定台 , 売り台 ▸ a girl behind the counter カウンターで働く女の子 ▸ go up to a counter to order food 食べ物を注文するためにカウンターのところまで行く 3 (ゲームの )カウンター , 駒 , チップ〘盤上にのせたり, 得点の計算に用いる小円板〙.4 数える人 ; 計数器 ; (ウェブサイトなどの )カウンター ; 〘物理〙(放射線の )計数管 .5 模造 [代用 ]貨幣 .over the c ó unter 1 (薬を買うときに )医師の処方箋（せん）なしで, 薬屋の店頭で .2 (取引所を通さず )証券業者の店頭で .3 (卸し問屋ではなく )小売店で .under the c ó unter (商品の売買について )正規のルートによらず, やみ (値 )で, 不正 [非合法 ]に .

counter

count er 2 /káʊntə r /動詞～s /-z /; ～ed /-d /; ～ing /-t (ə )rɪŋ /他動詞 1 〈人が〉〈問題悪影響など〉に «…で /…することによって » 反撃する , 対抗 [対応 ]する , …を抑制する «with /by » ▸ This symptom can be countered with immediate administration of adrenaline .この症状はアドレナリンの速やかな投与によって抑えられる ▸ The students countered uncomfortable temperatures by leaving their windows wide open .学生たちは窓を全開にして不快な気温に対処した 2 〖～ that節〗〈人が〉…だと言って反論する ; 〈議論告訴など〉に反論する , 反証をあげる ▸ They will counter that “jet skis ” themselves are not dangerous .彼らはジェットスキー自体は危険なものではないと言って反論するだろう自動詞 «…で » 反論 [反対 ]する ; 反撃する «with » .副詞｟かたく｠ «…と » 反対に , 逆に «to » ▸ The new abortion law ran counter to basic points in the constitution .新しい (妊娠 )中絶法は憲法の基本理念に反した形容詞｟かたく｠ «…に » 逆の , 反対の «to » ▸ a counter argument 反対の議論, 反論名詞 C 1 逆 (のもの ), «…に » 反対のもの ; «…に対する » 反論 «to » .2 〘ボクシング〙カウンター ; 〘アメフト〙カウンタープレー .3 (靴の )かかと革 .4 〘海〙船尾の突出部 , カウンター .

counter-

c ó un ter- 接頭辞〖動詞名詞形容詞副詞に付けて〗1 反, 反対 (の )▸ counter act …を和らげる .2 対応 [相当 ](する )▸ counter part 対応するもの .3 仕返し, 返報 (の ).4 妨害する [の ], 防止する [の ].

counteract

c ò unter á ct /-rǽkt /動詞他動詞〈(悪 )影響毒病気など〉を中和する, 阻止 [防止 ]する, 和らげる ; …に逆らう .

counteraction

c ò unter á ction /-rǽkʃ (ə )n /名詞 U C ((悪 )影響毒病気などの )中和, 相殺, 減殺, 防止 .

counteractive

c ò unter á ctive /-rǽktɪv |/形容詞反作用の ; 中和する .名詞 C 中和剤 .

counterargument

c ó unter à rgument /-rɑ̀ -/名詞 C ｟書｠ «…に対する » 反論 «to » .

counterattack

c ó unter att à ck /-rətæ̀k /名詞 C (戦争スポーツ議論などの )【攻撃者挑戦者への】反撃, 逆襲, 反論 «against , on » .動詞他動詞自動詞 (…に )反撃 [反論, 逆襲 ]する .～er 名詞 C 反撃 [反論 ]者 .

counterattraction

c ò unter attr á ction /-rət -/名詞 C 対抗する出し物 .

counterbalance

c ò unter b á lance 動詞他動詞 …と釣り合わせる, …に釣り合う ; …を中和 [相殺 ]する .名詞 /-́--̀ -/C «…への » 対抗勢力 ; «…と » 釣り合うもの «to » ; 中和するもの ; 平衡力 .

counterblast

c ó unter bl à st 名詞 C «…への » 激しい反発 [反撃, 反論 ] «to » (!通例新聞などの見出しで用いる ) .

counterchange

c ó unter ch à nge /｟英｠-̀--́ /動詞他動詞 …を入れ替える, 置き換える .

counterclaim

c ó unter cl à im 名詞 C 〘法〙(特に被告の )【原告に対する】反対要求, 反訴 «for » .動詞 /-̀--́ /自動詞〘法〙反訴する .

counterclockwise

c ò unter cl ó ckwise 形容詞副詞｟米｠反時計回りの [に ], 左回りの [に ](｟英｠anticlockwise )(↔clockwise ).

counterculture

c ó unter c ù lture 名詞 1 U C 反体制文化, カウンターカルチャー〘既成の価値観規範などに反発する主に若者の文化〙.2 C 反体制文化を主張する若者たち (の集団 ).

counterespionage

c ò unter é spion à ge 名詞 U (敵のスパイ活動に対する )反スパイ活動, 逆スパイ活動 .

counterfeit

coun ter feit /káʊntə r fɪ̀t / (! -ei-は /ɪ /) 〖counter 2 (反対 )feit (作る )〗形容詞比較なし〖通例名詞の前で〗1 偽の , 偽造の , まがいの〈貨幣商品書類など〉▸ a counterfeit driver's license 偽造された運転免許証 .2 見せかけの , うわべだけの ▸ I think your self-esteem is counterfeit .私は君の自尊心がうわべだけのものであると思う名詞 C 偽造品 , 偽物 , 偽造通貨 .動詞他動詞 1 〈貨幣商品書類など〉を偽造 [模造 ]する .2 …に酷似している .3 …のふりをする .

counterfeiter

c ó un ter f è it er 名詞 C (特に貨 [紙 ]幣の )偽造者, 偽金作り (人 ).

counterfoil

c ó unter f ò il 名詞 C (小切手為替領収書などの )控え, 半券 .

counterintelligence

c ò unter int é lligence 名詞 U スパイ防止活動, 防諜活動 .

counterman

c ó unter m à n /-mæ̀n /名詞複 -men C (軽食堂などの )カウンター係 (｟男女共用｠counter attendant ).

countermand

coun ter mand /káʊntə r mæ̀nd |kàʊntəmɑ́ːnd /動詞他動詞｟かたく｠(反対の注文命令によって )〈前の注文命令〉を取り消す, 撤回する ; …を呼び戻す .

countermeasure

c ó unter m è asure 名詞 C 〖通例～s 〗 «…に対する » 対抗 [対応 ]手段, 対策 «against » .

counteroffensive

c ó unter off è nsive /-rəfèn -/名詞 C (敵の攻撃に対する )反撃, 反攻 .

counteroffer

c ó unter ò ffer /-rɑ̀fə r |-rɔ̀fə /名詞 C 〘商〙(競争相手に対抗する )修正申し込み .

counterpane

coun ter pane /káʊntə r pèɪn /名詞 C ｟やや古｠掛けぶとん, (厚手で飾りのついた )ベッドカバー (bedspread ).

counterpart

coun ter part /káʊntə r pɑ̀ː r t /〖counter 2 (反対 )part (部分 )〗名詞複～s /-ts /C 1 «…に » 対応 [相当 ]する物 [人 ], 相対物 «of , to » (!異なった状況にいる [ある ]が, 同じ仕事機能を持つ人物のこと ) ▸ The Japanese Prime Minister is to meet his Chinese counterpart this week .日本の総理大臣, 中国国家主席と今週会談の予定 (!具体的名称は異なることも多い ) 2 相似物 , そっくりなもの [人 ]; 〘法〙写し , 複製 , 副本 (copy ).

counterpoint

c ó unter p ò int 名詞 1 U 〘楽〙対位法 .2 C 〘楽〙対位旋律 .3 C «…に対する » 対比的 [対照的 ]な要素 «to » .動詞他動詞 (対比対照により )…を引き立たせる, …を強調する ; …を対照させる .

counterproductive

c ò unter prod ú ctive 形容詞逆効果の ; 非生産的な .

counterpunch

c ó unter p ù nch 名詞 C 動詞自動詞〘ボクシング〙カウンターパンチ (を打つ ); ｟比喩的に｠なぐり返す (こと ).

counterrevolution

c ò unter revol ú tion 名詞 U C (革命を元に戻そうとする )反革命 (運動 [行動 ]).

counterrevolutionary

c ò unter revol ú tionary 形容詞反革命の .名詞複 -ies C 反革命主義者 .

countersign

counter sign /-́--̀, -̀--́ /動詞他動詞〈書類小切手など〉に連署 [副署 ]する〘(1 )すでに署名された書類などにもう1つ署名すること. (2 )署名済みの小切手に認証のためにもう一度署名すること〙.名詞 /-́--̀ C /1 合い言葉 (password ).2 連署, 副署 .

countersink

c ó unter s ì nk 動詞 →sink 他動詞 (ねじやボルトの頭が埋まるように )〈穴の口〉を円 (錐 )形に広げる, …に皿穴を開ける ; 〈ねじやボルトの頭〉を皿穴に埋める .名詞 C 皿穴 ; 皿穴用もみ錐（きり）.

countertenor

c ó unter t è nor /｟英｠-̀--́ -/名詞〘楽〙C カウンターテナー歌手〘男声の最高音域を歌う歌手〙; U その歌手が歌う部分, カウンターテナー .

countervailing

c ó unter v à il ing 形容詞｟かたく｠〖通例名詞の前で〗〈力意見などが〉 (ほかに )対抗できるほどの, 相殺するような .

counterweight

c ó unter w è ight 動詞名詞＝counterbalance .