Meaning of the word "over the counter" in English

What does "over the counter" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

over the counter

US /ˌoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər/

UK /ˌoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər/

referring to medicines that can be bought without a prescription

Example:

•

You can buy pain relievers over the counter.

•

Many cold and flu remedies are available over the counter.

Synonym:

non-prescription OTC

referring to financial transactions conducted directly between two parties, rather than through an exchange

Example:

•

Many derivatives are traded over the counter.

•

The company's shares are traded over the counter, not on a major exchange.

Synonym:

OTC unlisted off-exchange

in a way that involves direct transactions between two parties, not through an exchange

Example:

•

The bonds were traded over the counter.

•

He prefers to buy stocks over the counter for certain investments.

Synonym:

OTC privately directly

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