intermezzo Hear it!

intermezzo Definition

in·ter·mezzo (in′tər met′sō′, -med′zō′)

noun pl. -·zos′ or -·zi′-sē′, -zē′

  1. a short, light dramatic, musical, or ballet entertainment between the acts of a play or opera
  2. Music
    1. a short movement connecting the main parts of a composition
    2. any of certain short instrumental pieces similar to this

Etymology: It < L intermedius: see intermediate

intermezzo Synonyms

intermezzo

n.

musical interlude, intermission, divertimento; see music 1.

intermezzo Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

brief: After describing boyhood impressions, Interesting Times - tho it contains a brief intermezzo on holidays in Wales - never returns to England.