Main Entry: ¹coun·ter·point

Pronunciation: \ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯint\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus, from Latin contra- counter- + Medieval Latin punctus musical note, melody, from Latin, act of pricking, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

Date: 15th century

1 a : one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody b : the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character : polyphony
2 a : a complementing or contrasting item : opposite b : use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama)