COUNTERPOINTING

Verb

counterpointing

present participle of counterpoint

Source: Wiktionary


COUNTERPOINT

Coun"ter*point` (koun"tr-point`), n. Etym: [Counter- + point.]

Definition: An opposite point [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys.

Coun"ter*point`, n. Etym: [F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. Contrapuntal.] (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`, n. Etym: [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.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

7 May 2024

RAMPION

(noun) bellflower of Europe and Asia and North Africa having bluish flowers and an edible tuberous root used with the leaves in salad


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Coffee Trivia

International Coffee Day (September 29) is an occasion to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events occurring in places across the world. A day to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the coffee growers’ plight. Other countries celebrate this event on October 1.

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