ˌover-the-ˈcounter adjective [only before noun]

1. over-the-counter drugs can be obtained without a prescription (=a written order) from a doctor

2. American English (abbreviation OTC) over-the-counter business shares are ones that do not appear on an official stock exchange list

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

over the counter
if a type of medicine is available over the counter, you can buy it without the permission of a doctor.
You can't buy antibiotics over the counter - they're a prescription drug.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

over-the-counter
over the counter - if a type of medicine is available over the counter, you can buy it without the permission of a doctor.
Many over-the-counter painkillers contain paracetamol.
(always before noun)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲