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Opera - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Opera : (noun)
1: a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral
accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
2: theater where opera is performed [syn: opera house]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Opus \O"pus\, n.; pl. Opera. [L. See Opera.]
A work; specif. (Mus.), a musical composition.
Note: Each composition, or set of pieces, as the composer may
choose, is called an opus, and they are numbered in the
order of their issue. (Often abbrev. to op.)
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Opera : \Op"er*a\, n. [It., fr. opera work, composition, opposed
to an improvisation, fr. L. opera pains work, fr. opus,
operis, work, labor: cf. F. op['e]ra. 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, arials, 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.
Op['e]ra bouffe [F. op['e]ra opera _ bouffe comic, It.
buffo], Opera buffa [It.], 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.
Op['e]ra comique [F.], comic or humorous opera.
Opera flannel, a light flannel, highly finished. --Knight.
Opera girl (Bot.), 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 [It.], serious or tragic opera; grand opera.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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