counterpoint Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies
  2. verb to show differences when compared; be different
    contrast.
    • the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
  3. verb write in counterpoint
    • Bach perfected the art of counterpointing

WordNet

Coun"ter*point` noun
Etymology
Counter- + point.
Definitions
  1. An opposite point Obs. Sir E. Sandys.
Coun"ter*point` noun
Etymology
F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. Contrapuntal.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) (a) The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given canto fermo or melody. (b) The art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by one or more related melodies. (c) Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See Polyphony.
    Counterpoint, an invention equivalent to a new creation of music. Whewell.
Coun"ter*point` noun
Etymology
OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf. Cushion) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see Point). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another.
Definitions
  1. A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.
    Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of purple silk. Sir T. North.

Webster 1913