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opéra comique

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noun op·éra co·mique \ˈō-pā-rä-kä-ˈmēk, -kō-, ˈä-p(ə-)rə-\

Definition of opéra comique

: an opera characterized by spoken dialogue interspersed between the arias and ensemble numbers — compare grand opera

Origin and Etymology of opéra comique

French, literally, comic opera

First Known Use: 1742

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