01 n. A genus of polypetalous herbaceous plants, including all kinds of violets.
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1.
A genus of polypetalous herbaceous plants, including all kinds of violets.(Bot.)
Entry
2 senses · 2 variants
Webster, 1913
Viola
02 n. An instrument in form and use resembling the violin, but larger, and a fifth lower in compass.
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1.
An instrument in form and use resembling the violin, but larger, and a fifth lower in compass.(Mus.)
Phrases & compounds
Viola da braccio —
the tenor viol, or viola, a fifth lower than the violin. Its part is written in the alto clef, hence it is sometimes called the alto.
Viola da gamba —
an instrument resembling the viola, but larger, and held between the knees. It is now rarely used.
Viola da spalla —
an instrument formerly used, resembling the viola, and intermediate in size between the viola and the viola da gamba.
Viola di amore —
a viol, larger than the viola, having catgut strings upon, and brass or steel wires under, the keyboard. These, sounding sympathetically with the strings, yield a peculiarly soft and silvery sound. It is now seldom used.