counter

/ˈkaʊntər/

/ˈkaʊntə/

Other forms: counters; countered; countering

A counter is a surface used for making transactions in a store or in a home kitchen for preparing food. In a store, you pay for items at the counter.

When counter is a verb, it means "to speak up in opposition," like when you counter your opponent's argument in a debate. When something conflicts, you can say it "runs counter to," like a fancy car that runs counter to your philosophy of living simply. You can think of this meaning as "in the opposite direction," like "counter-clockwise," meaning the direction that's opposite of clockwise.

Definitions of counter

1. noun

   a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens
   synonyms: tabulator

   types:

   pulse counter

   an electronic counter that counts the number of electric pulses

   scaler

   an electronic pulse counter used to count pulses that occur too rapidly to be recorded individually

   type of:

   calculating machine, calculator

   a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations
2. noun

   a person who counts things
   type of:

   individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul

   a human being
3. noun

   game equipment (as a piece of wood, plastic, or ivory) used for keeping a count or reserving a space in various card or board games
   types:

   chip, poker chip

   a small disk-shaped counter used to represent money when gambling

   blue chip

   a blue poker chip with the highest value

   type of:

   game equipment

   equipment or apparatus used in playing a game
4. noun

   (computer science) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)
   type of:

   register

   (computer science) memory device that is the part of computer memory that has a specific address and that is used to hold information of a specific kind
5. noun

   table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
   types:

   bar

   a counter where you can obtain food or drink

   checkout, checkout counter

   a counter in a supermarket where you pay for your purchases

   meat counter

   counter where meats are displayed for sale

   notions counter

   counter where notions are sold

   reception desk

   a counter (as in a hotel) where guests are received

   cash bar

   a counter at a large party where you can purchase drinks by the glass

   oyster bar

   a bar (as in a restaurant) that specializes in oysters prepared in different ways

   salad bar

   a bar where diners can assemble a salad to their own taste

   buffet, snack bar, snack counter

   usually inexpensive bar

   soda fountain

   a counter where ice cream and sodas and sundaes are prepared and served

   sushi bar

   a bar where sushi is served

   wet bar

   a bar for mixing drinks that has a sink with running water

   wine bar

   a bar that serves only wine

   type of:

   table

   a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs
6. noun

   a flat surface in a kitchen on which food is prepared
   type of:

   work surface

   a horizontal surface for supporting objects used in working or playing games
7. noun

   a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
   synonyms: buffet, sideboard

   types:

   credence, credenza

   a kind of sideboard or buffet

   cellaret, minibar

   sideboard with compartments for holding bottles

   type of:

   article of furniture, furniture, piece of furniture

   furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
8. verb

   act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
   synonyms: anticipate, foresee, forestall

   type of:

   act, move

   perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
9. verb

   speak in response
   “He countered with some very persuasive arguments”

   type of:

   answer, reply, respond

   react verbally
10. noun

    a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
    synonyms: comeback, rejoinder, replication, retort, return, riposte

    types:

    back talk, backtalk, lip, mouth, sass, sassing

    an impudent or insolent rejoinder

    type of:

    reply, response

    the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
11. noun

    a return punch (especially by a boxer)
    synonyms: counterpunch, parry

    type of:

    biff, clout, lick, poke, punch, slug

    (boxing) a blow with the fist
12. adjective

    indicating opposition or resistance
    synonyms: antagonistic

    negative

    characterized by or displaying negation or denial or opposition or resistance; having no positive features
13. adverb

    in the opposite direction
    “run counter”
14. noun

    a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot
    “a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot”

    synonyms: heel counter

    type of:

    piece of leather

    a separate part consisting of leather