contrapuntal (adj.)

"pertaining to counterpoint or in accordance with its rules," 1815, with -al (1) + Italian contrapunto "counterpoint," also "backstitch," from contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)) + punto "point" (see point (n.)). Musical use is from Medieval Latin cantus contrapunctis. Compare counterpoint. Related: Contrapuntally.

updated on April 17, 2018