counterclockwise

[koun-ter-klok-wahyz]

adjective

1. in a direction opposite to that of the normal rotation of the hands of a clock; not clockwise.

counterclockwise

/ ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): anticlockwise. in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hands of a clock

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterclockwise¹

First recorded in 1885–90; counter- + clockwise

Example Sentences

On Day 1, you play it clockwise; on Day 2, counterclockwise.

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A clockwise high-pressure system was parked over Northern California and the Great Basin as a counterclockwise low-pressure system hovered over Arizona.

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The dance opens with Abraham in a running solo, winding around the stage in counterclockwise circles.

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The animation below gives a sense of the storm’s motion, spinning counterclockwise and forming a classic cyclone as a jet of moisture flows from it over the West Coast.

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In the new image, however, the brightest part of a ring surrounding the black hole has shifted counterclockwise by about 30°.

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Related Words

• revolving