contralto

noun

Etymology: Contraction of contratenor alto, from Latin contratenor altus.

1. The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. The terms contralto and alto refer to the same musical pitch range, but among singers, the term contralto is reserved for female singers; the equivalent male form is counter-tenor. Originally the contratenor altus was a high countermelody sung against the tenor or main melody.

   “As for her dress, it was invariably rich, effective, and chic, yet in good taste. Lastly, her feet and hands were astonishing, and her voice a deep contralto.”

   “Out in the yard a womanʼs hoarse contralto intoned a hymn.”