counter counter /ˈkaʊntɝ/

adjective

1. () Indicating opposition or resistance  ( antagonistic , counter )
   indicating opposition or resistance
   

adverb

1. () In the opposite direction  ( counter )
   in the opposite direction
    Run counter
   run counter
   

noun

1. () Table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted  ( counter )
   table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
    I stood at the counter and waited for the teller to assist me
   I stood at the counter and waited for the teller to assist me
   
   
2. () A piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers  ( sideboard , buffet , counter )
   a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
   
   
3. () A calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens  ( tabulator , counter )
   a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens
    The clicker served as a counter, tracking the number of people entering the venue.
   The clicker served as a counter, tracking the number of people entering the venue.
   
   
4. () 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  ( counter )
   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
    He used a counter to keep track of the score
   He used a counter to keep track of the score
   
   
5. A return punch (especially by a boxer)  ( counter , counterpunch , parry )
   a return punch (especially by a boxer)
   
6. A piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot  ( counter , heel counter )
   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
   a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot
   
7. (computing) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)  ( counter )
   (computing) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)
   
8. A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)  ( counter , rejoinder , replication , comeback , retort , return , riposte )
   a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
    It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
   it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
   
9. A person who counts things  ( counter )
   a person who counts things
   

verb

1. () Speak in response  ( counter )
   speak in response
    He countered with some very persuasive arguments
   He countered with some very persuasive arguments
   
2. () Act in advance of; deal with ahead of time  ( forestall , counter , foresee , anticipate )
   act in advance of; deal with ahead of time
     Sarah eagerly anticipated her favorite band's concert, counting down the days until the event.
   Sarah eagerly anticipated her favorite band's concert, counting down the days until the event.