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| mel·o·dra·ma [ méllə drmə, méllə dràmmə ] (plural mel·o·dra·mas) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. sensationalized dramatic or literary work: a dramatic or other literary work characterized by the use of stereotyped characters, exaggerated emotions and language, simplistic morality, and conflict
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2. dramatic or literary genre: melodramas collectively considered as a dramatic or literary genre
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3. histrionic behavior: exaggerated behavior or emotional displays, like those characteristic of a melodrama
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4. drama interspersed with music: formerly, a play with a sensational or romantic plot that is interspersed with musical numbers and often has music accompanying the action
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5. spoken words with musical accompaniment: a piece of poetry or a scene in a dramatic or operatic work in which the text is recited to a musical accompaniment
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| [Early 19th century. < French mélodrame "drama with songs" < Greek melos "song"] |
