florid counterpoint

noun

Definition of florid counterpoint

: any type of musical counterpoint other than first species

[Johannes] Tinctoris refers to the varieties of flowers in the field as an analogy for the use of florid counterpoint (i.e. counterpoint with dissonances and consonances).
—Alexis Luko, in Early Music History, volume 27, 2008

especially : fifth species

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First Known Use of florid counterpoint

1776

in the meaning defined above

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