counter

Everyday

1. A counter is a long flat top in a kitchen, or the long table in a shop where you pay. tree →
2. A counter is a small round piece used to count or to play board games. tree →
3. A counter is a machine that counts things. tree →
4. To counter is to answer or act against something. tree →

In the lessons

maths: small pieces counted in lessons (red and blue counters, grouping and sharing), or the top where things are placed in a story; everyday life: kitchen counter, the shop counter, medicine «over the counter»; games: move your counter 3 spaces; safety: keep hot pans away from the edge of the counter

Examples

• Put 10 counters in a row. tree →
• There are 6 cups on the counter. tree →
• Tim has 15 red counters and 9 blue counters. tree →
• The baker put 24 muffins on the counter. tree →
• Pay at the counter. tree →
• Move your counter 4 spaces. tree →
• The step counter showed 8000 steps. tree →
• Wipe the kitchen counter after cooking. tree →
• Rufus!" and hearing his voice, I jumped on to the counter. tree →

Note

As game pieces it is the thing counted; as a kitchen counter it is just a place. Trap: none special; it carries no operation. British kitchens say «worktop» too.