countertenor
UK[ˌkaʊntəˈtenə(r)]US[ˌkaʊntərˈtenər]
n
the highest male adult singing voice, similar to that of a contralto or mezzo-soprano.
n
a singer with such a voice.
Morpheme Breakdown
counter
tenor
counter
against, opposite
tenor
highest natural adult male voice
Etymology
the term 'countertenor' emerged in the late middle ages, combining the latin-derived prefix 'counter-' with the musical term 'tenor'. originally, the tenor voice 'held' the main melody line in polyphonic music. the countertenor was a voice that sang 'against' or in contrast to this primary line, often providing a higher harmony. over time, the term's meaning shifted from describing a contrapuntal role to specifically denoting the highest male vocal range, which uses a developed falsetto or head voice to achieve pitches comparable to female altos.
Analysis
Structure: counter (against, opposite) + tenor (highest natural adult male voice)
'counter-' is from latin 'contra', meaning 'against, opposite'. 'tenor' is from latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold', and came to denote the highest natural adult male voice in medieval music.
Examples
the choir's performance featured a stunning solo by the countertenor.
he is one of the most sought-after countertenors in early music today.
the countertenor part in that baroque piece is exceptionally demanding.