[1615–25; counter- + type]This word is first recorded in the period 1615–25. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: berth, deposit, discount, scintillation, synchronizecounter- is a combining form with the meanings “against,” “contrary,” “opposite,” “in oppositionor response to” (countermand); “complementary,” “in reciprocation,” “corresponding,” “parallel” (counterfoil; counterbalance); “substitute,” “duplicate” (counterfeit)