orchestra Hear it!

orchestra definition

or·ches·tra (ôrkis trə, ôrkes′-)

noun

  1. in ancient Greek theaters, the semicircular space in front of the stage, used by the chorus
  2. in modern theaters, the space in front of and below the stage, where the musicians sit
    1. the section of seats on the main floor of a theater, esp. the front section
    2. the main floor of a theater
    1. a usually large group of musicians playing together; often, specif., symphony orchestra
    2. the instruments of such a group

Etymology: L < Gr orchēstra < orcheisthai, to dance < IE base *ergh-, extension of base *er-, swift movement, a raising > Sans *ṛghāyati, (he) rages, Ger arg, bad

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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