ˈal(ˌ)tō noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Italian, literally, high, from Latin altus — more at old
1.
a. : the part sung by the highest men's voices — compare countertenor , falsetto
b. : the second highest of the four voice parts of the mixed chorus or choir or the lower part or parts in a women's chorus
2. : a singer of alto parts ; especially Britain : a male alto singer (as in a cathedral choir)
3. : the second highest member of a family of musical instruments
the viola is the alto of the violin family
4. or alto horn : althorn