- counterpoint
- 1. nouna) a melody added to an existing one, especially one added to provide harmony whilst each retains its simultaneous identity; a composition consisting of such contrapuntal melodies2. verb
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Counterpoint — • The term originated in the fourteenth century, though the art designated by it had been practiced for several centuries previous Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Counterpoint Counterpoint … Catholic encyclopedia
Counterpoint — Coun ter*point , n. [F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. {Contrapuntal}.] (Mus.) (a) The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given {canto fermo} or melody. (b) The art of polyphony, or composite… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
counterpoint — ► NOUN 1) the technique of writing or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules. 2) a melody played in conjunction with another. 3) an idea or theme contrasting with the main element. ► VERB 1) add… … English terms dictionary
Counterpoint — Coun ter*point (koun t?r point ), n. [Counter + point.] An opposite point [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Counterpoint — Coun ter*point , n. [OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see {Quilt}, and cf. {Cushion}) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see {Point}). The word… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
counterpoint — index contradistinction, difference Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
counterpoint — early 15c., of stitching, from O.Fr. cuilte contrepointe quilt stitched through and through, altered from coute pointe, from M.L. culcita puncta quilted mattress, from L. culcita cushion + puncta, fem. pp. of pungere to prick, stab (see PUNGENT… … Etymology dictionary
counterpoint — [kount′ər point΄] n. [ME countrepoint < MFr contrepoint < It contrappunto, lit., pointed against: see COUNTER & POINT, n.] 1. a) the technique of combining two or more distinct lines of music that sound simultaneously, esp. with an emphasis … English World dictionary
Counterpoint — For other uses, see Counterpoint (disambiguation). Extract from Fugue no. 17 in A flat major, BWV 862, from book 1 of The Well Tempered Clavier by Bach, who is widely regarded as the greatest practitioner of counterpoint.[ … Wikipedia
counterpoint — /kown teuhr poynt /, n. 1. Music. the art of combining melodies. 2. Music. the texture resulting from the combining of individual melodic lines. 3. a melody composed to be combined with another melody. 4. Also called counterpoint rhythm. Pros.… … Universalium
counterpoint — n. accompanying melody 1) double; single; triple counterpoint 2) in counterpoint to contrasting element 3) to serve as a counterpoint to * * * [ kaʊntəpɔɪnt] single triple counterpoint [ accompanying melody ] double [ contrasting element ] to… … Combinatory dictionary
