countercurrent
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈkaʊntərˌkɜːrənt//
KK: /ˈkaʊntərˌkɜrɪnt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that flows in the opposite direction to another flow.
Example
The countercurrent in the river made it difficult for the swimmers to reach the shore.
Conversation
I was reading about how rivers can have countercurrent flows during storms.
That sounds interesting! How does that happen?
Well, it means some parts of the river flow in the opposite direction of the main current.
Oh, I see! Nature really has some fascinating tricks.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reverse
opposing
contrary
Antonyms
concurrent
same
aligned
noun
Definition
A flow of water or air that moves in the opposite direction to another flow.
Example
The river's countercurrent made it difficult for the fish to swim upstream.
Conversation
Did you know that the river has a countercurrent that goes against the main flow?
Really? I had no idea it could do that!
Yeah, it makes kayaking a bit tricky sometimes.
Root Explanation
Countercurrent → It is formed from "counter-" (meaning against) and "current" (from Latin "currere", meaning to run). The word describes a flow that runs against another flow, particularly in contexts like water or air movement.
Memory Tip
Think of something that runs 'against' ('counter-') a flow that is 'running' ('currere') — that's why countercurrent refers to a flow opposing another.
Visually Confused Words
undercurrent
intercurrent
concurrent
unrecurrent
overcurrent