I. ope·ra ˈōpərə, ˈäp-
plural of opus
II. op·era ˈäp(ə)rə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian, work, opera, from Latin, work, pains; akin to Latin oper-, opus work — more at operate
1. : a drama in which music is the essential factor comprising songs with orchestral accompaniment (as recitative, aria, chorus ) and orchestral preludes and interludes — compare music drama
2. : the score of a musical drama
3.
a. : the performance of an opera or a house where operas are performed
a season of opera
heard it at the opera
b. : an organization that produces and performs operas
4. : musical drama as a form of art
the origin of opera
French opera
5.
[by shortening]
a. : opera pump
b. : opera slipper
6. : a showy unrealistic literary or theatrical production — see horse opera , soap opera , space opera
III. opera adjective
: used or suitable for use at or in an opera
opera chairs
especially : of a formal style suitable for wear at the opera
an opera cloak