opera 1
/op"euhr euh, op"reuh/ , n.
1. an extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arias, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet. Cf. comic opera, grand opera .
2. the form or branch of musical and dramatic art represented by such compositions.
3. the score or the words of such a composition.
4. a performance of one: to go to the opera.
5. ( sometimes cap. ) an opera house or resident company: the Paris Opera.
[ 1635-45; opus service, work, a work, OPUS ]
opera 2
/oh"peuhr euh, op"euhr euh/ , n. Chiefly Music.
a pl. of opus .