See Also: Opera(medicine)
opera(encyclopedia)
opera(dictionary)
opera(dictionary)
OPERA(tourism)
Angl' Opera(tourism)
Opera Garnier(tourism)
Metropolitan Opera, the(dictionary)
Phantom of the Opera, The(dictionary)
Threepenny Opera, The(dictionary)

opera (iou)



opera noun1. M17.
[Italian (whence also French opera) from Latin = labour, work produced, fem. noun from oper-, opus work. See also OPRY.]
A dramatic musical work in one or more acts, in which singing forms an essential part, chiefly consisting of recitatives, arias, and choruses, with orchestral accompaniment; a performance of such a work; a libretto or musical score for such a work. M17.
The place where an opera is performed; an opera-house. M17.
Such works as a genre. Also the opera. M18.
Phrases: comic opera: see COMIC adjective. grand opera: see GRAND adjective1. horse opera: see HORSE noun. PEKING opera. Savoy opera: see SAVOY 3. soap opera: see SOAP noun1 3. space opera: see SPACE noun.
Comb.: opera cloak a cloak of rich material worn over evening clothes, esp. by women; opera glass(es) small binoculars for use at the opera, theatre, etc.; opera hat a man's tall collapsible hat; opera-house a theatre for the performance of operas; opera recital: see RECITAL 3b; opera window N. Amer. a small, typically triangular window at the side of a motor car, usually behind a rear side window.