Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Opera
Op′er-a
(ŏp′ẽr-ȧ)
, Noun.
[It., fr.
opera
work, composition, opposed to an improvisation, fr. L. opera
pains, work, fr. opus
, operis
, work, labor: cf. F. 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.
Opera bouffe
[F.
, opéra
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Opera
OP'ERA
,Noun.
A dramatic composition set to music and sung on the stage, accompanied with musical instruments and enriched with magnificent dresses, machines, dancing, &c.