ˈkōdə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian, literally, tail, from Latin coda, cauda — more at coward
1.
a. : a final or concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure of a composition or movement (as a fugue or rondo)
b. : a concluding portion of a literary or dramatic work ; usually : a portion or scene that rounds off or integrates preceding themes or ideas
a generalized discussion falling into two divisions … a third part entitled “dedication” forming a sort of coda for the whole — Howard M. Jones
c. : anything that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize yet has an interest of its own
the penetration of the ionosphere … in making radar contact with the moon, is a magnificent coda to the invalidation of all that once insulated and protected human life — J.H.Spigelman
d. : the finale of a classical ballet ; also : the third part of a pas de deux in which the male and female dancers dance together after completion of their respective variations
2. : a tail (sense 16) added to a stanza (as a sonnet)