counterclockwise
|coun/ter/clock/wise|
🇺🇸
/ˌkaʊntərˈklɑːkwaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkwaɪz/
opposite clock direction
Etymology
'counterclockwise' originates from English, combining 'counter-' meaning 'opposite' and 'clockwise' referring to the direction of a clock's hands.
'counterclockwise' was formed in the 19th century as a direct opposite to 'clockwise'.
Initially, it meant 'opposite to the direction of a clock's hands', and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
moving in the opposite direction to the way the hands of a clock move.
The dancers moved in a counterclockwise direction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a direction opposite to the rotation of the hands of a clock.
Turn the knob counterclockwise to open.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/18 12:15