over-the-counter

[ oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter ]
/ ˈoʊ vər ðəˈkaʊn tər /

adjective

unlisted on or not part of an organized securities exchange: over-the-counter stocks; the over-the-counter market. Abbreviation: OTC
Pharmacology. sold legally without a doctor's prescription: over-the-counter drugs. Abbreviation: OTC

Origin of over-the-counter

First recorded in 1920–25

Definition for over-the-counter (2 of 2)

over the counter

adverb

not transacted through an organized securities exchange; directly to the buyer or from the seller: He sold his stocks over the counter.
Pharmacology. without a doctor's prescription but within the law.

Origin of over the counter

First recorded in 1870–75

Example sentences from the Web for over-the-counter

British Dictionary definitions for over-the-counter

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
(of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription Abbreviation: OTC Compare ortho- (def. 5)

Medical definitions for over-the-counter

over-the-counter
[ ōvər-ðə-kountər ]

adj.

That can be sold legally without a doctor's prescription.