[dra.ma] n [LL dramat-, drama, fr. Gk, deed, drama, fr. dran to do, act] (1515) 1: a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usu. involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance: play--compare closet drama
2: dramatic art, literature, or affairs 3 a: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces b: dramatic state, effect, or quality "the ~ of the courtroom proceedings"