opus

[oh-puhs]

noun

plural

opuses, opera 

1. a musical composition.

2. one of the compositions of a composer, usually numbered according to the order of publication.

3. a literary work or composition, as a book: op.

   Have you read her latest opus?

opus

/ ˈəʊpəs, ˈɔp- /

noun

1. an artistic composition, esp a musical work

2. (often capital) (usually followed by a number) a musical composition by a particular composer, generally catalogued in order of publication

   Beethoven's opus 61 is his violin concerto

Word History and Origins

Origin of opus¹

1695–1705; < Latin: work, labor, a work

Word History and Origins

Origin of opus¹

C18: from Latin: a work; compare Sanskrit apas work

Related Words

• magnum opus