Definition

A male singer who was castrated before reaching puberty to keep a high-pitched voice, similar to that of a soprano or alto.

Example

The castrato was famous for his incredible vocal range and unique sound.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a castrato singer?

Yeah, I read a bit about them in a music class.

It's fascinating how they could sing in such a high range.

Totally! Their voices were unique and unlike anything else.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Castrato → It is formed from "castrare" (meaning to castrate) and the suffix "-ato" (indicating a person or thing that has undergone a process). The word refers to a person who has been castrated, particularly in the context of male singers who were castrated before puberty to preserve their high vocal range.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of 'castrating' ('castrare') someone, which is why a 'castrato' is a person who has undergone this procedure.

Visually Confused Words