Counterpoint

/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/ noun

The art of combining two or more independent melodic lines that harmonize with each other while maintaining their individual character and movement.

From Medieval Latin contrapunctus, literally 'against the point,' where 'point' referred to a note. The term described adding notes 'against' an existing melody, creating polyphonic texture.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb