adv. & n. Mus.
--adv. half, moderately.
--n. (in full mezzo-soprano) (pl. -os)
1. a a female singing-voice between soprano and contralto. b a singer with this voice.
2 a part written for mezzo-soprano.
Phrases and idioms:
mezzo forte fairly loud. mezzo piano fairly soft.
Etymology: It., f. L medius middle