Cŏn'trȧ

Cŏn'trȧ. A Latin preposition, signifying against, in opposition, entering into the composition of some English words. It is properly the ablative of an adjective, conterus (formed from con, with), which is not in use. It signifies originally a place which corresponds with another in position, runs parallel to it, or forms its counterpart; hence, also, an action which exists in opposition to another, and, finally, a hostile confronting.