castrati

/kæˈstrɑːtɪ/

Definitions

1. noun

Male singers whose voices were altered by castration before puberty to achieve a high-pitched voice, or in modern usage, any male singer with a high-pitched voice.

“The opera company was known for featuring castrati in its productions.”

2. plural noun

A group or type of male singers with high-pitched voices.

“The castrati were a unique feature of 18th-century opera.”

Synonyms

  • alto
  • countertenor

Antonyms

  • bass