Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun An adult male voice with a range above that of tenor.
  • noun A singer having a voice within this range.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun a part or section performing a countermelody against the tenor or main part
  • noun adult male singer who uses head tone or falsetto to sing far higher than the typical male vocal range

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective of or being the highest male voice; having a range above that of tenor
  • noun a male singer with a voice above that of a tenor
  • noun the highest adult male singing voice

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

counter- +‎ tenor

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Examples

  • The world of the countertenor is a weird, high-pitched place, where the possibilities of the male voice are pushed to Bee Gees extremities.

    The Guardian World News Tom Service 2010

  • His countertenor is a firm instrument, and he uses it remarkably well.

    Recently Uploaded Slideshows 2010

  • His countertenor is a firm instrument, and he uses it remarkably well.

    Recently Uploaded Slideshows 2010

  • The world of the countertenor is a weird, high-pitched place, where the possibilities of the male voice are pushed to Bee Gees extremities.

    The Guardian World News Tom Service 2010

  • "There are many special people that deserve to be recognised for their efforts and achievements in the community," said Greg whose voice - known as a countertenor - is similar in range to that of a female mezzo-soprano such as the award-winning singer Katherine Jenkins.

    WalesOnline - Home 2009

  • The following decade saw a marked increase in productions of Handel operas in mainstream U.S. houses, Mr. Daniels became a superstar here and abroad, and "countertenor" became a desirable voice type for young singers pursuing operatic careers.

    Daniels and Domingo 2008

  • Daniels remains the gold standard of our time for a pure-toned countertenor.

    Rodney Punt: Griselda in Peter Sellars Production at Santa Fe Opera Rodney Punt 2011

  • Daniels remains the gold standard of our time for a pure-toned countertenor.

    Rodney Punt: Griselda in Peter Sellars Production at Santa Fe Opera Rodney Punt 2011

  • Jason Abrams, replacing Mr. Daniels as Roberto, has a high, bright countertenor voice; though understandably tentative, he acquitted himself well.

    The Tests of Patience Heidi Waleson 2011

  • David Daniels, the well-regarded countertenor, receives enthusiastic ovations wherever he performs.

    Sexy Beast 2009

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