over-the-counter

¹ American  

[oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter] / ˈoʊ vər ðəˈkaʊn tər /

adjective

1. unlisted on or not part of an organized securities exchange: OTC

   over-the-counter stocks; the over-the-counter market.

2. Pharmacology. sold legally without a doctor's prescription: OTC

   over-the-counter drugs.

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over the counter ² American  

adverb

1. not transacted through an organized securities exchange; directly to the buyer or from the seller.

   He sold his stocks over the counter.

2. Pharmacology. without a doctor's prescription but within the law.

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over-the-counter British  

adjective

1. 1. (of securities) not listed or quoted on a stock exchange

   2. (of a security market) dealing in such securities

   3. (of security transactions) conducted through a broker's office directly between purchaser and seller and not on a stock exchange

2.  OTC.  (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription Compare ortho-

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Etymology

Origin of over-the-counter¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of over the counter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Airbus stock declined 5.8% in France and 2.6% in the U.S., where it trades over the counter.

From Barron's

The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that Narcan, the nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose, will be available over the counter.

From Washington Post

Getting it over the counter removes one barrier to access, but many others — most notably the cost — still exist.

From Washington Post

The FDA just issued its ruling, so they probably won’t have it over the counter yet.

From Washington Post

It might be that obtaining naloxone through the standing order is cheaper than getting it over the counter.

From Washington Post