Aria \A"ri*a\, n. [It., fr. L. a["e]r. See Air.]

(Mus.) An air or song; a melody; a tune.

Note: The Italian term is now mostly used for the more elaborate accompanied melodies sung by a single voice, in operas, oratorios, cantatas, anthems, etc., and not so much for simple airs or tunes.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)