/awr"keuh streuh/ , n.
1. a group of performers on various musical instruments, including esp. stringed instruments of the viol class, clarinets and flutes, cornets and trombones, drums, and cymbals, for playing music, as symphonies, operas, popular music, or other compositions.
2. (in a modern theater)
a. the space reserved for the musicians, usually the front part of the main floor ( orchestra pit ).
b. the entire main-floor space for spectators.
c. the parquet.
3. (in the ancient Greek theater) the circular space in front of the stage, allotted to the chorus.
4. (in the Roman theater) a similar space reserved for persons of distinction.
[ 1590-1600; orchestra orchéstra the space on which the chorus danced, deriv. of orcheîsthai to dance ]