\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['e]ra. 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['e]ra bouffe} [F. op['e]ra 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['e]ra 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.