tenor
tenor Lexical Profile
tenor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A singing voice between baritone and alto or countertenor, the highest of the ordinary adult male range, or a singer having this voice.
"The lead tenor received a standing ovation for his performance in the final act of the opera."
The general meaning, sense, character, or prevailing direction of a speech, piece of writing, or ongoing situation.
"The overall tenor of the committee's discussion was optimistic despite the recent budget cuts."
In finance and law, the length of time remaining before a financial contract, promissory note, or debt matures and must be paid.
"The bank agreed to issue corporate bonds with a tenor of five years."
• adjective
Having a pitch or range corresponding to that of a tenor voice, typically designating an instrument of the second-lowest or middle pitch in its family.
"The jazz band featured a prominent solo played on the tenor saxophone."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'tenor' (the general meaning of something, or a high adult male singing voice) with its homophone 'tenner' (British slang for a ten-pound note) or 'tenure' (the holding of an office or permanent academic post).
• Rhymes for tenor
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived via Old French from the Latin noun 'tenor', meaning an uninterrupted course or career, from the verb 'tenere' ('to hold'). In medieval polyphonic music, the tenor was the part that 'held' the main melody while other voices sang countermelodies around it.