NYT Dictionary
CONTRALTO
/kɒnˈtɹæltəʊ/NounCON-tral-tocon-tral-to · 3 syllablesCollege
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023
Meaning
The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. The terms contralto and alto refer to the same musical pitch range, but among singers, the term contralto is reserved for female singers; the equivalent male form is counter-tenor. Originally the contratenor altus was a high countermelody sung against the tenor or main melody.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Contraction of contratenor alto, from Latin contratenor altus.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: