contralto

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈtraltəʊ/

noun (plural contraltos)

  • the lowest female singing voice: she sang in a high contralto
  • a singer with a contralto voice.
  • a part written for a contralto voice.

Origin:

mid 18th century: Italian, from contra- (in the sense 'counter to') + alto. Compare with countertenor