tenor

¹ten·or

noun \ˈte-nər\

Definition of TENOR

1

a : the drift of something spoken or written : purport b : an exact copy of a writing : transcript c : the concept, object, or person meant in a metaphor

2

a : the melodic line usually forming the cantus firmus in medieval music b : the voice part next to the lowest in a 4-part chorus c : the highest natural adult male singing voice; also : a person having this voice d : a member of a family of instruments having a range next lower than that of the alto

3

: a continuance in a course, movement, or activity

4

: habitual condition : character

Examples of TENOR

1. He has a high, lilting tenor.
2. She asked the tenors to sing the line again.
3. The tenor of his remarks is clear.

Origin of TENOR

Middle English tenour, from Anglo-French, from Latin tenor uninterrupted course, from tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with TENOR

Brenner, tenner