A mezzo-soprano or mezzo (English pronunciation: /ˈmɛtsoʊ/, /ˈmɛzoʊ/; Italian: [ˈmɛddzo soˈpraːno] meaning "half soprano") is a type of classical female singing voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above (i.e. A₃–A₅ in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C₄). In the lower and upper extremes, some mezzo-sopranos may extend down to the F below middle C (F₃) and as high as "high C" (C₆). The mezzo-soprano voice type is generally divided into the coloratura, lyric, and dramatic mezzo-soprano.