Countertenor

Origin

- + tenor

Full definition of countertenor

Noun

1. adult male singer who uses head tone or falsetto to sing far higher than the typical male vocal range
2. male singing voice far higher than the typical male vocal range
3. (Older) a part or section performing a countermelody against the tenor or main part

Coordinate terms

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

Related terms

• contratenor
• contratenor altus
• contratenor bassus