noun
countertenor
Countertenor (noun) means a man who sings using his head voice or falsetto to reach notes well above the usual male range.
noun
1
A man who sings using his head voice or falsetto to reach notes well above the usual male range.
2
A male singing voice pitched much higher than usual.
"The term countertenor first appeared in England during the mid 17th century. However, the style of singing originated in Elizabethan cathedral choirs, eventually falling out of favour during the Romantic period."
— Rupert Christiansen, The truth about falsettos [print version: 12 August 2014, p. R8] (2014)
3
A musical part that plays a countermelody against the main tenor line.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like countertenor.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
From Latin contrātenor. By surface analysis, counter- + tenor.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for countertenor
See all rhymes for countertenor →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of countertenor?
"countertenor" (noun) means a man who sings using his head voice or falsetto to reach notes well above the usual male range.
What is another word for countertenor?
Other words for "countertenor" include alto.
What are the different meanings of countertenor?
"countertenor" has 3 main meanings: 1. A man who sings using his head voice or falsetto to reach notes well above the usual male range; 2. A male singing voice pitched much higher than usual; 3. A musical part that plays a countermelody against the main tenor line.
