countersubject

noun

coun·​ter·​subject
"+ˌ-
plural countersubjects
: a secondary line or voice (see voice entry 1 sense 1b(4)) that accompanies statements of the main subject (see subject entry 1 sense 3f) in a fugue (see fugue entry 1 sense 1b)

Word History

Etymology

counter- + subject

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of countersubject was in 1832

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Dictionary Entries Near countersubject

Cite this Entry

“Countersubject.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countersubject. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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