ORCHESTRA

noun Etymology: Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages Date: 1606 1. the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater, a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons, 2. the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an ~, the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater, the main floor of a theater, a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music