coun·ter·claim /'kau̇n-tər-ˌklām/ n: a claim for relief that is asserted against an opposing party after an original claim has been made compare affirmative defense at defense, cross-action, cross-appeal, cross-claim, interpleader, third-party claim
counterclaim vb
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.