from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Opera \Op"er*a\ ([o^]p"[~e]r*[.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, arias, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with
orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes,
together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a
lyric drama.
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2. The score of a musical drama, either written or in print;
a play set to music.
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3. The house where operas are exhibited.
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{Opera 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.
{Opera comique} [F.], comic or humorous opera.
{Opera flannel}, a light flannel, highly finished. --Knight.
{Opera girl} or {Opera girls} (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.
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