Webster's English Dictionary

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counterpoint

coun.ter.point \'kau.nt-*r-.po.int\ n [MF contrepoint, fr. ML 
   contrapunctus, fr. L contra- counter-] + ML punctus musical note, melody, 
   fr. L, act of pricking, fr. punctus, pp. of pungere to prick - more at 
   POINT 1a: one or more independent melodies added above or below a given 
   melody  1b: combination of two or more related independent melodies into a 
   single h armonic texture in which each retains its linear character : 
   POLYPHONY 2a: a complementing or contrasting item : OPPOSITE  2b: use of 
   contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama)