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 : polyphony2 a: a complementing or contrasting item : opposite b: use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama)