counterpoint
A melody added to an existing one, especially one added to provide harmony whilst each retains its simultaneous identity; a composition consisting of such contrapuntal melodies.
Other meanings
Any similar contrasting element in a work of art.
An opposite point.
Word history
From Medieval Latin "contrāpūnctum".
Where this comes from
This definition is adapted from “counterpoint” on Wiktionary, by its contributors, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.