Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Counterpoint
Coun′ter-pointˊ
(koun′t?r-pointˊ)
, Noun.
[
Counter-
+ point
.] An opposite point
[Obs.]
Sir E. Sandys.
Coun′ter-pointˊ
,Noun.
(Mus.)
(a)
The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given
. canto fermo
or melody(b)
The art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by one or more related melodies.
(c)
Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See
Polyphony
. Counterpoint
, an invention equivalent to a new creation of music. Whewell.
Coun′ter-pointˊ
,Noun.
[OF.
contrepoincte
, corruption of earlier counstepointe
, countepointe
, F. courtepointe
, fr. L. culcita
cushion, mattress (see Quilt
, and cf. Cushion
) + puncta
, fem. p. p. of pungere
to prick (see Point
). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another.] A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st
Counterpane
. Embroidered coverlets or
counterpoints
of purple silk. Sir T. North.
Webster 1828 Edition
Counterpoint
COUNTERPOINT
,Noun.
1.
A coverlet; a cover for a bed, stitched or woven in squares; written corruptly counterpane.2.
In music, counterpoint is when the musical characters by which the notes in each part are signified, are placed in such a manner, each with respect to each, as to show how the parts answer one to another. Hence counterpoint in composition is the art of combining and modulating consonant sounds.3.
An opposite point.Definition 2024
counterpoint
counterpoint
English
Noun
counterpoint (plural counterpoints)
- (music) a melody added to an existing one, especially one added to provide harmony whilst each retains its simultaneous identity; a composition consisting of such contrapuntal melodies
- any similar contrasting element in a work of art
- An opposite point.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Sir E. Sandys to this entry?)
Synonyms
- contrapuntal music
- polyphony
Translations
(music) a melody added to an existing one
|
|
an opposite point
Verb
counterpoint (third-person singular simple present counterpoints, present participle counterpointing, simple past and past participle counterpointed)
Translations
(transitive) to compose or arrange such music
|