counterclockwise
Translation
anti-clockwise
Examples
Turn the knob counterclockwise to open it.
Turn the knob anti-clockwise to open it.
The dancers moved in a counterclockwise circle.
The dancers moved in an anti-clockwise circle.
Grammar Patterns
((adv.)) in the opposite direction to the way the hands of a clock move around Turn the dial counterclockwise.
((adj.)) moving in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock They made a counterclockwise turn.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anti-clockwise; Antonyms: clockwise
Etymology
From the prefix 'counter-' (against, opposite) + 'clockwise' (in the direction of a clock's hands).
Memory Tips
Think of 'counter' as meaning 'against'. So, it's 'against the clock's direction'.