or|ches|tra

or|ches|tra «AWR kuh struh», noun, adjective.

–n.

1. a group of musicians playing together, as at a concert, an opera, or a play. An orchestra is usually distinguished from a band by the use of violins and other stringed instruments. »

a symphony orchestra, a dance orchestra.

2. the violins, cellos, clarinets, horns, and other instruments played together by the musicians in an orchestra.

3. the part of a theater or auditorium just in front of the stage, where musicians sit to play.

4. the main floor of a theater, especially the part near the front: »

Buy two seats in the orchestra.

5. a large semicircular space in fronf the stage of an ancient Greek theater, where the chorus sang and danced.

6. a similar space in the Roman theater, reserved for the seats of senators and other persons of distinction.

–adj.

of or having to do with an orchestra: »

the orchestra pit, orchestra seats.

╂[< Latin orchēstra < Greek orch the space where the chorus of dancers performed, ultimately < orcheîsthai to dance]