English

Noun

counterturn ‎(plural counterturns)

1. A turn in the other direction; one of the turns of a zigzag.
   • 2010, Richard Freeman, The Mirror of Yoga

     Every turn, every spiral, every extension eventually has to be tempered by a counterturn, a counterspiral, or a flexion; sometimes strong, sometimes subtle.

2. The critical moment in a drama, when, contrary to expectation, the action is embroiled in new difficulties.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Dryden to this entry?)