counter-clockwise

counter-clockwise

The arrow on the sign points in a counter-clockwise direction.

Definition

  1. Adverb:

    • In a direction opposite to the rotation of the hands of a clock: "counter-clockwise" describes movement that goes in the opposite direction to the clockwise rotation of a clock's hands. It is used to indicate a circular or rotational path that moves leftward when viewed from above.

  2. Adjective:

    • Moving or oriented in a direction opposite to that of a clock's hands: As an adjective, "counter-clockwise" describes something that is directed or arranged in such a manner.
Usage Examples

  • Adverb:

    • Turn the dial counter-clockwise to reduce the volume. (Rotate the dial in the opposite direction of a clock's hands.)
    • The dancers moved counter-clockwise around the stage. (They travelled in a circular path to the left.)

  • Adjective:

    • The counter-clockwise rotation of the fan helped circulate the air. (The fan's blades turned in the opposite direction to clock hands.)
    • Please follow the counter-clockwise arrow on the map. (The arrow indicates the direction opposite to clock hands.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to go counter-clockwise": to move in a circular direction opposite to clock hands.

    • In the northern hemisphere, hurricanes typically spin counter-clockwise. (They rotate in a leftward direction.)

  • "counter-clockwise motion": movement that is rotational and opposite to clock hands.

    • The car's wheels were designed for counter-clockwise motion only. (They rotate in a single, specific direction.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Counter-clockwise (adj/adv): The standard spelling in American English.
  • Anticlockwise (adj/adv): The equivalent term used in British English, meaning the same thing.
    • Turn the knob anticlockwise to open the valve. (Rotate it opposite to clock hands.)
Synonyms
  • Anticlockwise: a synonym primarily used in British English.
  • Leftward: moving toward the left side, but not necessarily circular.
  • Widdershins: an archaic term meaning moving in a counter-clockwise direction, often used in folklore.
Related Idioms
  • There are no common idiomatic expressions that directly use "counter-clockwise". However, it is often used in technical or instructional contexts.
Additional Notes
  • In mathematics and physics, "counter-clockwise" is often called "positive direction" in a standard coordinate system (e.g., in trigonometry, angles measured counter-clockwise from the positive x-axis are positive).