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

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterclockwise¹

First recorded in 1885–90; counter- + clockwise

Example Sentences

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

From Science Magazine

He heard the creak of the platform turning with the weight of the voladores as the rope unspooled counterclockwise, and the music of the drum and flute.

From Los Angeles Times

"Switching the rotational direction from counterclockwise to clockwise and vice versa allows two propellers to attract or repel each other."

From Science Daily

When bumblebees successfully opened the box by pushing on red or blue tabs in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, they were rewarded with sugar.

From Salon

Dad jumped up and broke into the Cabbage Patch dance, swinging his arms in a circular, counterclockwise motion.

From Literature

Related Words

• revolving