Origin: Latin prefix contra-
Contralto has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a woman singer having a contralto voice
The lowest female voice or voice part, falling between tenor and mezzo-soprano. The terms contralto and alto refer to a similar musical pitch, but among singers, the term contralto is reserved for female singers; the equivalent male form is counter-tenor. Originally the contratenor altus was a high countermelody sung against the tenor or main melody.