noun
counter
KOWN-ter/ˈkaʊntər/
A raised surface used for work or serving customers.
The café worker sets a cup on the broad service counter.
Etymology
A place of accounts became the table where a money lender or merchant did business. The name then spread to shop surfaces and eventually to similar work surfaces in kitchens.
In context
The parcel is strategically located. We are prepared to offer two hundred forty thousand dollars, subject to inspection.” Eleanor kept her hands flat on the counter.
More examples
- She chops vegetables on the kitchen counter.
- Please take your package to the service counter.
- We wipe down the counters after preparing dinner.
Forms
counter · counters
Similar words
- countertop
- Specifically the top surface, rather than the whole structure.
- workbench
- A sturdy table for manual tasks, not usually customer service.