Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
COUNTERPOINT
I. noun see: pungent
Date: 15th century
1. one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody, the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character ; polyphony ,
2. a complementing or contrasting item ; opposite , use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama),
II. transitive verb
Date: 1875
to compose or arrange in counterpoint, to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition ; set in contrast