Tenors refers to the plural form of the noun "tenor," which has multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used.
In music, tenor commonly refers to the highest male voice type in a choir or the range of a musical instrument, such as the tenor saxophone. It denotes a vocal or instrumental pitch that is intermediate between alto and bass. The tenor voice typically possesses a range extending from approximately C3 to C5 (C1 being the lowest C on a piano), and is characterized by its clarity and an ability to hit high notes with ease. In choral music, tenors often provide the melody or a harmonic line in the middle register.
Outside of music, tenor can also refer to a general direction or course, such as the tenor of a speech or a conversation. It denotes the overall mood, meaning, or character of something, highlighting its prevailing nature or tone. For example, if the tenor of a conversation is friendly and cooperative, it suggests a positive and harmonious atmosphere.
Furthermore, tenor can take on a financial connotation when used in reference to fixed-income securities, such as government bonds. In this context, it refers to the length of time until the bond's maturity, highlighting the duration for which the issuer must pay interest to bondholders and eventually repay the principal amount.
Overall, "tenors" pertains to the multiple instances or characteristics associated with the musical vocal or instrumental range, the prevailing mood or nature of something, or the measure of time until a bond's maturity.
