counterturn
nounEtymology From counter- + turn.
1
A turn in the other direction; one of the turns of a zigzag.
- Every turn, every spiral, every extension eventually has to be tempered by a counterturn, a counterspiral, or a flexion; sometimes strong, sometimes subtle.2010, Richard Freeman, The Mirror of Yoga:
2
The critical moment in a drama, when, contrary to expectation, the action is embroiled in new difficulties.
- turns and counterturns of plot1668, John Dryden, Essay of Dramatick Poesie: