mantisia saltatoria

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arias, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes, together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a lyric drama. [1913 Webster]

2.The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music. [1913 Webster]

3.The house where operas are exhibited. [1913 Webster]

Opera 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.

Opera comique [F.], comic or humorous opera.

Opera flannel, a light flannel, highly finished. --Knight.

Opera girl or Opera girls (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. [1913 Webster]