definitions
  • synonyms

ossia

[ oh-see-uh ]
/ oʊˈsi ə /
|

conjunction

(indicating an alternative, usually easier, version of a passage in a musical score) or; or else.

Nearby words

ossetia, ossetian, ossetic, ossi, ossi-, ossia, ossian, ossianic, ossicle, ossicular, ossiculate

Origin of ossia

First recorded in 1875–80, ossia is from the Italian word o sia or let it be
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ossia

  • Of these the most important result was Il Triregno, ossia del regno del cielo, della terra, e del papa.

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8|Various

  • Thus, Paers Leonora, ossia lamore conjugale came to be overshadowed by the superior presence of Beethovens great work.

    The Life of Rossini|Henry Sutherland Edwards

  • Instituzioni, riti e ceremonie dell' ordine dei Francs-maons, ossia Liberi Muratori.

    The Cathedral Builders|Leader Scott