obverse

obverse
obverse (adj.) 1650s, from L. obversus, pp. of obvertere "to turn toward or against," from ob "toward" (see OB- (Cf. ob-)) + vertere "to turn" (see VERSUS (Cf. versus)). According to OED, not in common use until the end of the 18th century. The noun, in reference to coins, medals, etc. (opposite of reverse), is attested from 1650s. Related: Obversely.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Obverse — Ob verse ([o^]b v[ e]rs), n. [Cf. F. obverse, obvers. See {Obverse}, a.] 1. The face of a coin which has the principal image or inscription upon it; the other side being the {reverse}. [1913 Webster] 2. Anything necessarily involved in, or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • obverse — [äb vʉrs′, əbvʉrs′; ] also, and for n. always [, äb′vʉrs΄] adj. [L obversus, pp. of obvertere, to turn toward < ob (see OB ) + vertere, to turn: see VERSE] 1. turned toward the observer 2. narrower at the base than at the top [an obverse leaf] …   English World dictionary

  • obverse — ► NOUN 1) the side of a coin or medal bearing the head or principal design. 2) the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth. ► ADJECTIVE 1) denoting the obverse of a coin or medal. 2) corresponding to something as its opposite or counterpart.… …   English terms dictionary

  • Obverse — Ob*verse ([o^]b*v[ e]rs ), a. [L. obversus, p. p. of obvertere. See {Obvert}.] Having the base, or end next the attachment, narrower than the top, as a leaf. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • obverse — index adverse (opposite), antipode, contra, contradictory, contraposition, contrary, counterpart (com …   Law dictionary

  • obverse — n *converse, reverse …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • obverse — I. adjective Etymology: Latin obversus, from past participle of obvertere to turn toward, from ob toward + vertere to turn more at ob , worth Date: circa 1656 1. facing the observer or opponent 2. having the base narrower than the top < an… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • obverse — 1. adjective a) Turned or facing toward the observer. The obverse side of the gravestone has the inscription. b) Corresponding; complementary. When you speak clearly, people understand you. If you mumble, the obverse effect is observed …   Wiktionary

  • obverse — ob|verse [ˈɔbvə:s US ˈa:bvə:rs] n [singular] [Date: 1600 1700; : Latin; Origin: obversus, from obvertere to turn toward ] 1.) formal the opposite of a particular situation or feeling = ↑opposite obverse of ▪ The obverse of victory is defeat. 2.)… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Obverse — The opposite, the opposite side, the counterpart. For example, mania is thought of as the obverse of depression just as heads is the obverse of tails on a coin …   Medical dictionary

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