01 n. A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arias, ch…
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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.
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.