Op"er*a (?), n. [It., fr. opera work, composition, opposed to an improvisation, fr. L. opera pains work, fr. opus, operis, work, labor: cf. F. op'era. 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, arials, 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.
Op'era bouffe [F. op'era opera + bouffe comic, It.buffo], Opera buffa [It.], 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. -- Op'era comique [F.], 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 [It.], serious or tragic opera; grand opera.
© Webster 1913.