Alto

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈæl.təʊ/
• US IPA: /ˈæl.toÊŠ/
• Rhymes: -æltəʊ

Origin

From Italian alto ("high")

Full definition of alto

Noun

1. A musical part or section higher than tenor and lower than soprano, formerly the part that performed a countermelody above the tenor or main melody.
2. A person or musical instrument that performs the alto part.

Usage notes

Nouns often modified by "alto": saxophone, clarinet, flute, recorder, part, solo, voice, singer.

Synonyms

• (musical part or section) contratenor altus, high countertenor

Coordinate terms

• (voice types) soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, contralto female; countertenor, tenor, baritone, bass male

Anagrams

• a lot, alot, ATOL, lota, tola