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obverse

Syllabification: (ob·verse)
Translate obverse | into Italian
Definition of obverse

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈäbˌvərs/

[usually in singular]
  • 1the side of a coin or medal bearing the head or principal design.
  • the design or inscription on the obverse side of a coin or medal.
  • 2the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth:true solitude is the obverse of true society

adjective

Pronunciation: /əbˈvərs, äb-/

[attributive]
  • 1of or denoting the obverse of a coin or medal.
  • 2corresponding to something else as its opposite or counterpart.
  • 3 Biology narrower at the base or point of attachment than at the apex or top:an obverse leaf

Derivatives

obversely

Pronunciation: /əbˈvərslē, äb-/

adverb

Origin:

mid 17th century (in the sense 'turned toward the observer'): from Latin obversus, past participle of obvertere 'turn toward' (see obvert)

obverse in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of obverse in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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