Opus \O"pus\, n.; pl. Opera. [L. See Opera.]
A work; specif. (Mus.), a musical composition.
Note: Each composition, or set of pieces, as the composer may
choose, is called an opus, and they are numbered in the
order of their issue. (Often abbrev. to op.)
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Opera \Op"er*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, arials, 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.
Op['e]ra 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.
Op['e]ra comique [F.]
, comic or humorous opera.
Opera flannel, a light flannel, highly finished. --Knight.
Opera girl (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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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