Opera /(ŏp"ẽr*ȧ)/
Op·er·a
Opera
n.
- 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.
- The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.
- The house where operas are exhibited.
Phrases & Compounds
- Opera bouffe
- 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.
- Opera girl
- 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.