Main Entry: ¹al·to

Pronunciation: \ˈal-(ˌ)tō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural altos

Etymology: Italian, literally, high, from Latin altus

Date: circa 1724

1 a : countertenor b : contralto
2 : the second highest voice part in a 4-part chorus
3 : a member of a family of instruments having a range lower than that of the treble or soprano; especially : an alto saxophone