coun·ter¹ / ˈkountər/ • n. 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. ∎  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: 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. coun·ter² • v. [tr.] speak or act in opposition to. ∎  [intr.] respond to hostile speech or action: “What would you like me to do about it ?” she countered ∎  [intr.] Boxing give a return blow while parrying: he countered with a left hook.• adv. (counter to) in the opposite direction to or in conflict with: some actions by the authorities ran counter to the call for leniency.• adj. responding to something of the same kind, esp. in opposition.See also counter-.• n. 1. [usu. in sing.] a thing that opposes or prevents something else. ∎  an answer to an argument or criticism. ∎  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.coun·ter³ • n. the back part of a shoe or boot, enclosing the heel.