Definition of Over-the-counter

1. Adjective. Purchasable without a doctor's prescription. "An over-the-counter cold remedy"

Exact synonyms: Nonprescription
Category relationships: Medicament, Medication, Medicinal Drug, Medicine
Antonyms: Prescription

2. Adjective. (of securities) not traded on a stock exchange. "Over-the-counter stocks"
Exact synonyms: Otc
Similar to: Unlisted

Definition of Over-the-counter

1. Adjective. (pharmacy) Legal for sale or distribution without the requirement of a prescription (of medicine and other treatments); abbreviated as OTC. ¹

2. Adjective. (finance) Direct interaction between two parties without an intermediary. Thus, any market where items such as stocks or currency are bought and sold at a distance, rather than on the exchange. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Over-the-counter

over-egged
over-egging
over-eggs
over-embellished
over-greedy
over-hedging
over-illumination
over-insolently
over-old
over-polite
over-rate
over-rated
over-refine
over-ridden
over-ripe
over-the-counter (current term)
over-the-counter(a)
over-the-counter drug
over-the-counter drugs
over-the-counter market
over-the-counter medicine
over-the-hill
over-the-shoulder bombing
over-the-shoulder boulder holder
over-the-shoulder boulder holders
over-the-top
over-the-topness
over-under
over-zealous
over a barrel

Literary usage of Over-the-counter

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine (1892)
"Then she leaned over the counter, on her elbows, between the sandwiches and the ... As she leaned over the counter her black, fluffy hair seemed nearer her ..."

2. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People: A Report of the Surgeon General by M. Joycelyn Elders (1997)
"Eight of those studies investigated purchases from vending machines as well as purchases from over-the-counter outlets; one additional study investigated ..."

3. Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association at the Annual Meeting by American Pharmaceutical Association, National Pharmaceutical Convention (1897)
"The next paper, entitled "Shall Pharmacists Prescribe Over the Counter?" by Dr. FE Stewart, was read by title only by request of the author. ..."

4. Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association at the Annual Meeting by American Pharmaceutical Association, National Pharmaceutical Convention, American Pharmaceutical Association Meeting (1897)
"Upon motion of Mr. Main, duly seconded, the paper was received for publication. The next paper, entitled " Shall Pharmacists Prescribe Over the Counter? ..."

5. All the Year Round by Charles Dickens (1873)
"... was leaning over the counter, with his back to me, and discussing in low, careless tones, the merits of a dagger, which, from their talk, not distinctly ..."

6. Our Money Wars: The Example and Warning of American Finance by Samuel Leavitt (1894)
"He said " The Gre^n- back is the true standard of value, and gold is merely an article of commerce." MUST TRADE IT OUT OVER THE COUNTER. ..."

7. Illicit Drug Use, Smoking and Drinking by America's High School Students by Lloyd D. Johnston, Patrick M. O'Malley, Jerald G. Bachman (1993)
"The advertising and sale of over-the-counter diet pills (most of which contain the ... An upward bias from the inclusion of over-the-counter and look-alike ..."

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