English Explanatory Dictionary

alto

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A musical part or section higher than tenor and lower than soprano, formerly the part that performed a countermelody above the tenor or main melody.
  2. A person or musical instrument that performs the alto part.
  3. An alto saxophone.
name
  1. A surname.
  2. A census-designated place in Marin County, California, United States.
  3. initialism of air launch to orbit.

Pronunciation

/ˈæl.təʊ/ /ˈæl.toʊ/ en-us-alto.ogg

Word forms

alto altos alti

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian alto (“high”). Doublet of old.

Synonyms

contratenor altus high countertenor

Derived words

alto clarinet alto clef alto cliff alto flute alto horn altoist alto recorder alto sax
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