countercurrent

[koun-ter-kur-uhnt]

noun

1. a current running in an opposite direction to another current.

2. a movement, opinion, mood, etc., contrary to the prevailing one.

countercurrent

1. A current that flows in an opposite direction to the flow of another current.

Other Word Forms

• countercurrently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of countercurrent¹

First recorded in 1675–85; counter- + current

Example Sentences

These lectures get the job done, but, along with frequent detours into back story, sometimes feel like a frustrating countercurrent to the momentum of the book’s present, ongoing plot.

Read more on New York Times

This countercurrent of the movement is focused on exalting American militarism and patriotism, and opposing communism, especially the Chinese Communist party.

Read more on The Guardian

“We face an external environment with even more headwinds and countercurrents.”

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There’s always been a countercurrent of people yearning to get back to basics.

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McPhee writes admiringly of the Corps’ grit, determination, even genius, but running through the essay is a strong countercurrent.

Read more on The New Yorker