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.