COUNTERPOINT

I. noun see: pungent Date: 15th century 1. one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody, the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character ; polyphony , 2. a complementing or contrasting item ; opposite , use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama), II. transitive verb Date: 1875 to compose or arrange in ~, to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition ; set in contrast