English English Dictionary

A prefix meaning contrary, opposite, in opposition; as, counteract, counterbalance, countercheck. See Counter, adv. & a.

One who counts, or reckons up; a calculator; a reckoner.

A piece of metal, ivory, wood, or bone, used in reckoning, in keeping account of games, etc.

Money; coin; -- used in contempt.

A prison; either of two prisons formerly in London.

A telltale; a contrivance attached to an engine, printing press, or other machine, for the purpose of counting the revolutions or the pulsations.

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.

Contrary; in opposition; in an opposite direction; contrariwise; -- used chiefly with run or go.

In the wrong way; contrary to the right course; as, a hound that runs counter.

At or against the front or face.

Contrary; opposite; contrasted; opposed; adverse; antagonistic; as, a counter current; a counter revolution; a counter poison; a counter agent; counter fugue.

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

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.

The breast, or that part of a horse between the shoulders and under the neck.

The back leather or heel part of a boot.

An encounter.

To return a blow while receiving one, as in boxing.