1. The lowest female singing voice
   "The alto's rich, deep tones added depth to the ensemble";
   - contralto
    
2. The highest adult male singing voice
   "The alto's ethereal voice soared above the choir";
   - countertenor
    
3. The pitch range of the lowest female voice
   "The alto section provided a rich foundation for the choral piece"
    
4. A singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
   "The choir director was impressed by the new alto's rich, warm tone"
    
5. (of a musical instrument) the second highest instrument in a family of musical instruments
   "She played the alto saxophone in the jazz ensemble"

1. Of or being the lowest female voice
   "The alto soloist added depth to the choir's performance";
   - contralto
    
2. Of or being the highest male voice; having a range above that of tenor
   "The alto's ethereal voice captivated the audience";
   - countertenor
    
3. (of a musical instrument) second highest member of a group
   "alto clarinet or recorder"

Derived forms: altos

See also: high, high-pitched, low, low-pitched

Type of: pitch, singer, singing voice, vocaliser [Brit], vocalist, vocalizer

Encyclopedia: Alto, New Mexico