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View synonyms for over the counter

over the counter

1

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.


over-the-counter

2

[ oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter ]

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.

over-the-counter

adjective

    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
  1. (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription OTC Compare ortho-
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of over the counter1

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of over the counter2

First recorded in 1920–25
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Example Sentences

Refuting critics who say he is anti-contraception, Gardner is calling for over-the-counter sale of birth control pills.

It sounds great—four GOP Senate candidates call for over-the-counter birth control access.

After all, health insurance companies rarely cover the cost of over-the-counter medicines.

ACOG is without question in favor of over-the-counter oral contraception.

This isn't true for everything, but is often true for dairy, snack foods, over-the-counter medication, and pet food.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can sometimes produce emotional or mental side effects.

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over-the-airover the edge