op‧e‧ra /ˈɒp
ərə $ ˈɑː-/
noun[
Date: 1600-1700;
Language: Italian;
Origin: Latin, 'works', plural of opus; ⇒ opus]
1. [countable] a musical play in which all of the words are sung ⇒
operetta:
We go to the opera (=go to a performance of opera) regularly. an opera singer2. [uncountable] these plays considered as a form of art
—operatic /ˌɒpəˈrætɪk◂ $ ˌɑː-/
adjective:
operatic performances—operatically /-kli/
adverb ⇒
grand opera,
soap opera [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲