viola meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

viola

noun

UK /ˈviː.ələ/ · US /vaɪˈoʊlə/

Etymology From Latin viola (“violet”).

Biology, Botany, Natural sciences Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Viola, including the violets and pansies.

viola

intj

Humorous, Misconstruction, Often Misconstruction of voila.

And viola, Eureka California! I have finished my greatest invention: the worst dog in the world!1988, “Hey Vern, It's Pets”, in Hey, Vern, It's Ernest! (television production), spoken by Dr. Otto (Jim Varney):
[...] ; you fill out a form; you write your check; and viola! You're a mutual fund shareholder.2011, Hedge Funds for Dummies:

viola

noun

UK /viˈəʊ.lə/ · CA, US /viˈoʊ.lə/

Etymology From Italian viola, from Old Occitan viola (modern Occitan viula), from Medieval Latin vitula (“stringed instrument”), possibly from Frankish *fiþulā (“violin, fiddle”). Doublet of viol. Also possibly a doublet of fiddle.

A stringed instrument of the violin family, somewhat larger than a violin, played under the chin, and having a deeper tone.

But those who attack violists shouldn't throw resin. Once the ergonomic viola catches on what instrument will be immune?1997 August 9, Edward Rothstein, “A Comeback for the Viola. No Joking.”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 27 Feb 2021:
Also in that series, without Mr. Masur's guiding hand, Ms. Phelps and Ms. Young will anchor performances of Bach's Sixth "Brandenburg" Concerto, in which violas carry the upper lines.1999 April 25, James E. Oestreich, “MUSIC; Violists Are the Twin Stars Of an Orchestral Galaxy”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 30 Dec 2023:

A person who plays the viola.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music An organ stop having a similar tone.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music A 10-string steel-string acoustic guitar, used in Brazilian folk music.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music A berimbau viola, the smallest member of the berimbau used in capoeira music.

Derived terms: viola clef, viola paradon, viola zither, violist, violaist
Related terms: viola da braccio, viola da gamba, viola d'amore, viola di bordone, viola pomposa