countercurrent
1 of 2noun
coun·ter·cur·rent ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkər-ənt 
-ˌkə-rənt
: a current flowing in a direction opposite that of another current
countercurrent
2 of 2adjective
coun·ter·cur·rent ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkər-ənt
-ˈkə-rənt
1
: flowing in an opposite direction
2
: involving flow of materials in opposite directions
countercurrent dialysis
countercurrently adverb
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Sue Bryant, Town & Country, 17 June 2022 Even as a significant slice of literary fiction turns ever more slender and novella-like, too weary in its ennui to sketch out more than thoughts and emotions, a countercurrent exists in massive novels that purport to capture many things. Siddhartha Deb, The New Republic, 28 Jan. 2022 Due to the differing elevations and salinity of the two bodies of water, the strait has two currents, a surface layer running north to south and a countercurrent beneath it. Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2022 And while some countries have recently retreated from the world stage amid nationalist fervor, the ease of air travel has created a strong countercurrent of travelers looking to learn from other cultures. Umair Irfan, Vox, 1 Aug. 2019 Yet civilizing and mitigating countercurrents are at work beneath the surface. Lance Morrow, WSJ, 17 Oct. 2018 The divisive nominating contests have produced countercurrents of deep resentment in both parties. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 22 June 2016 See More
Noun
The ship itself is all minimalist chic, with a countercurrent pool and cuisine courtesy of Ducasse Conseil. Sue Bryant, Town & Country, 17 June 2022 Even as a significant slice of literary fiction turns ever more slender and novella-like, too weary in its ennui to sketch out more than thoughts and emotions, a countercurrent exists in massive novels that purport to capture many things. Siddhartha Deb, The New Republic, 28 Jan. 2022 Due to the differing elevations and salinity of the two bodies of water, the strait has two currents, a surface layer running north to south and a countercurrent beneath it. Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2022 And while some countries have recently retreated from the world stage amid nationalist fervor, the ease of air travel has created a strong countercurrent of travelers looking to learn from other cultures. Umair Irfan, Vox, 1 Aug. 2019 Yet civilizing and mitigating countercurrents are at work beneath the surface. Lance Morrow, WSJ, 17 Oct. 2018 The divisive nominating contests have produced countercurrents of deep resentment in both parties. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 22 June 2016 See More Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1684, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
countercurrent 1 of 2
noun
coun·ter·cur·rent ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌkər-ənt, -ˌkə-rənt
: a current flowing in a direction opposite that of another current
countercurrent
2 of 2adjective
ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈ
1
: flowing in an opposite direction
2
: involving flow of materials in opposite directions
countercurrent dialysis
the countercurrent system of the kidney
countercurrents
noun
as in undercurrents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- undercurrents
- counter-trends
- countertrends
- undertows
- habits
- propensities
- currents
- customs
- tides
- tenors
- curves
- ways
- shifts
- turnabouts
- trends
- tendencies
- winds
- swings
- downsides
- directions
- leanings
- drifts
- runs
- turns
- upsides