n.

1. table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
2. game equipment used in various card or board games
3. a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens;
   tabulator
4. a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers;
   buffet, sideboard
5. a person who counts things
6. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
   rejoinder, retort, return, riposte, replication, comeback
   
   • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
7. (computer science) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)
8. a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot;
   heel counter
   
   • a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot
9. a return punch (especially by a boxer);
   counterpunch, parry

v.

1. speak in response
   
   • He countered with some very persuasive arguments
2. act in advance of; deal with ahead of time;
   anticipate, foresee, forestall

adj.

1. indicating opposition or resistance;
   antagonistic

adv.

1. in the opposite direction
   
   • run counter