counterturn

noun

coun·​ter·​turn
1
[translation of Greek antistrophe] : an unexpected turn or development in the action of a play especially at the climax
2
: a turn in the opposite direction
amid the turns and counterturns, the strife and various trials of our complex beingWilliam Wordsworth

Word History

Etymology

counter- + turn

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near counterturn

Cite this Entry

“Counterturn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterturn. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!