Figurate counterpoint

(Mus.)

that which is not simple, or in which the parts do not move together tone for tone, but in which freer movement of one or more parts mingles passing discords with the harmony; - called also figural, figurative, and figured counterpoint or descant (although the term figured is more commonly applied to a bass with numerals written above or below to indicate the other notes of the harmony).

See also: Figurate

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co.