opera seria
[ op-er-uh seer-ee-uh, op-ruh; Italian aw-pe-rah se-ryah ]
/ ˈɒp ər ə ˈsɪər i ə, ˈɒp rə; Italian ˈɔ pɛ rɑ ˈsɛ ryɑ /
noun, plural o·pe·ra se·rias, o·pe·ras se·ria, Italian o·pe·re se·rie [aw-pe-re se-rye] /ˈɔ pɛ rɛ ˈsɛ ryɛ/.
Italian dramatic opera of the 18th century based typically on a classical subject and characterized by extensive use of the aria da capo and recitative.
Origin of opera seria
1875–80; < Italian: literally, serious opera
Words nearby opera seria
opera buffa,
opera cloak,
opera glasses,
opera hat,
opera house,
opera seria,
opera window,
operable,
operagoer,
operand,
operant
British Dictionary definitions for opera seria
opera seria
/ (ˈsɪərɪə, Italian ˈopera ˈsɛːrja) /
noun plural opere serie (Italian ˈopere ˈsɛːrje)
a type of opera current in 18th-century Italy based on a serious plot, esp a mythological tale
Word Origin for opera seria
from Italian: serious opera