obverse

views updated

ob·verse • n. / ˈäbˌvərs/ [usu. in sing.] 1. the side of a coin or medal bearing the head or principal design. ∎  the design or inscription on this side.2. the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth: true solitude is the obverse of true society.• adj. / əbˈvərs; äb-/ 1. of or denoting the obverse of a coin or medal.2. corresponding to something else as its opposite or counterpart.3. Biol. narrower at the base or point of attachment than at the apex or top: an obverse leaf.DERIVATIVES: ob·verse·ly / əbˈvərslē; äb-/ adv.