buffo

American  

[boo-foh, boof-faw] / ˈbu foʊ, ˈbuf fɔ /

noun

Music.

buffi, plural buffos plural

1. (in opera) a comedy part, usually bass.

2. a male opera singer who specializes in comic roles.

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buffo British  

/ ˈbʊfəʊ, ˈbuffo /

noun

1. (in Italian opera of the 18th century) a comic part, esp one for a bass

2. Also called: buffo bass.   basso buffo.  a bass singer who performs such a part

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• buffos
  plural
• buffi
  plural

Etymology

Origin of buffo

1755–65; < Italian: ridiculous, comic actor who takes comic parts; back formation from buffone buffoon