Opera
Opera (op"ẽr*ȧ) , noun
[Italian, from opera work, composition, opposed to an improvisation, from Latin opera pains, work, from opus, operis, work, labor: compare French opéra. See Operate.]
1.
A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arias, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes, together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a lyric drama.
2.
The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.
3.
The house where operas are exhibited.
Collocations (9)
Opera bouffe or Opera buffa , light, farcical, burlesque opera.
Opera box , a partially inclosed portion of the auditorium of an opera house for the use of a small private party.
Opera comique , comic or humorous opera.
Opera flannel , a light flannel, highly finished. — Knight
Opera girl or Opera girls (Botany) , an East Indian plant (Mantisia saltatoria) of the Ginger family, sometimes seen in hothouses. It has curious flowers which have some resemblance to a ballet dancer, whence the popular name. Called also dancing girls.
Opera glass , a short telescope with concave eye lenses of low power, usually made double, that is, with a tube and set of glasses for each eye; a lorgnette; -- so called because adapted for use at the opera, theater, etc.
Opera hat , a gentleman's folding hat.
Opera house , specifically, a theater devoted to the performance of operas.
Opera seria , serious or tragic opera; grand opera.