Definition of Opera

Once

OPERA noun

	A play representing life in another world, whose inhabitants have no speech but song, no motions but gestures and no postures but attitudes. All acting is simulation, and the word simulation is from simia, an ape; but in opera the actor takes for his model Simia audibilis (or Pithecanthropos stentor) -- the ape that howls. The actor apes a man -- at least in shape; The opera performer apes and ape.

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Opiate

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30