I. opera
plural of opus
II. op·era ˈä-p(ə-)rə, Southern also ˈä-prē noun
Etymology: Italian, work, opera, from Latin, work, pains; akin to Latin oper-, opus — more at operate
Date: 1644
1. : a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes ; specifically : grand opera
2. : the score of a musical drama
3. : the performance of an opera ; also : a house where operas are performed