kən.ˈtral(ˌ)tō also -räl- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Italian, from contra- (from Latin) + alto — more at alto
1. : the higher of the two countertenor voices or voice parts sung or to be sung in early 4-part church music by the highest adult male voice : alto 1
2.
a. : the lowest female singing voice or a singer possessing such a voice : alto 2 ; specifically : a woman's voice rich and powerful in the lower range with a compass of about two octaves from f upward
b. : the part sung or to be sung by such a singer