alt

¹

[alt]

adjective

1. high.

noun

1. in alt, in the first octave above the treble staff.

alt.

²

abbreviation

1. alteration.

2. alternate.

3. altitude.

4. alto.

alt-

³

1. variant of alti- before a vowel.

   altazimuth.

alt-

⁴

1. a combining form of alternative, used in compound words describing a nontraditional or unconventional version within a genre or category, often something provocative, subversive, or innovative: the alt-right movement; writers of alt-lit;

   alt-country bands;

   the alt-right movement;

   alt-weeklies;

   writers of alt-lit;

   quinoa and other alt-grains.

alt

/ ælt /

adjective

1. (esp of vocal music) high in pitch

2. of or relating to the octave commencing with the G above the top line of the treble staff

noun

1. in the octave directly above the treble staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of alt¹

1525–35; < Provençal < Latin altum, noun use of neuter of altus high

Origin of alt²

First recorded in 1985–90; from the use of the prefix alt- in Usenet, to denote newsgroups with unconventional discussion topics

Word History and Origins

Origin of alt¹

C16: from Provençal, from Latin altus high, deep

Example Sentences

Amy Alt, president of oral care at P&G China, said the company has focused on enticing packaging, attention-grabbing marketing on Chinese social media and value-for-money products to stand out.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s a competitive market,” said Alt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Chargers were coming off a win at Tennessee in which they lost left tackle Joe Alt, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Chargers were in desperate need of a lineman after losing offensive tackle Joe Alt to a season-ending ankle injury.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Chargers lost left tackle Joe Alt to a season-ending ankle injury and once again have to reshuffle an offensive line that has been in a constant state of flux.

Read more on Los Angeles Times