# contralto

> English word · Noun · IPA /kɒnˈtɹæltəʊ/ · frequency rank #78,489

## Definitions
1. 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
Contraction of contratenor alto, from Latin contratenor altus.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/contralto