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Definition of "over-the-counter" [over-the-counter]

  • Not listed or available on an officially recognized stock exchange but traded in direct negotiation between buyers and sellers: over-the-counter stocks. (adjective)
  • That can be sold legally without a doctor's prescription: over-the-counter drugs. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "over-the-counter" in a sentence
  • "As an automated-quotation system, Nasdaq uses computers and telecommunications for the trading and surveillance of thousands of securities, which are colloquially called over-the-counter stocks."
  • "FDA to yank homeopathic 'weight loss' supplements that contain hormone HCG Federal agency calls over-the-counter products 'unproven' and 'potentially dangerous' Lindsay Goldwert"
  • "They cite ongoing competition from the so-called over-the-counter market, dominated by many of the world's largest investment bank, which still represents the majority of derivatives trades in Europe."
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