Op″er‐a (ŏp″ẽr‐ȧ), n. [It., fr. opera work, composition, opposed to an improvisation, fr. L. opera pains, work, fr. opus, operis, work, labor: cf. F. opéra. See Operate.] 1. A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arias, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes, together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a lyric drama.
2. The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.
3. The house where operas are exhibited.
‖Opéra bouffe [F. opéra opera + bouffe comic, It. buffo], ‖Opera buffa, light, farcical, burlesque opera. — Opera box, a partially inclosed portion of the auditorium of an opera house for the use of a small private party. — ‖Opéra comique, comic or humorous opera. — Opera flannel, a light flannel, highly finished. Knight. — Opera girl(Bot.), an East Indian plant (Mantisia saltatoria) of the Ginger family, sometimes seen in hothouses. It has curious flowers which have some resemblance to a ballet dancer, whence the popular name. Called also dancing girls. — Opera glass, a short telescope with concave eye lenses of low power, usually made double, that is, with a tube and set of glasses for each eye; a lorgnette; — so called because adapted for use at the opera, theater, etc. — Opera hat, a gentleman's folding hat. — Opera house, specifically, a theater devoted to the performance of operas. — ‖Opera seria, serious or tragic opera; grand opera.