alto

(al)

noun pl. altos

  1. the range of the lowest female voice or the highest male voice; specif.,
    1. contralto
    2. countertenor
    1. a voice or singer with such a range
    2. an instrument with a similar range within its family, as an alto saxophone
    3. a part for such a voice or instrument
  2. in four-part harmony, the second highest part

Origin: It < L altus, high: see altitude

adjective

of, for, or having the range of an alto

high: altostratus

Origin: < L altus, high

See alto in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. al·tos
  1. A low female singing voice; a contralto.
  2. A countertenor.
  3. a. The range between soprano and tenor.
    b. A singer whose voice lies within this range.
    c. An instrument that sounds within this range.
    d. Abbr. A A vocal or instrumental part written in this range.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , from Latin altus, high; see al-2 in Indo-European roots

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