Opus

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈəʊpəs/

Definitions

1. A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered in the order of a composer's output
2. A noteworthy work of art or literature that reflects the artist's skills and is often used to signify a particular piece among a creator's collection
3. A significant artistic creation, particularly in music or literature, that denotes an individual's comprehensive output or a notable achievement within their oeuvre

Etymology: The Latin "opus" meant simply "work" or "labour," and it is a close relative of the English "operate" and "opera" through a shared ancient root. Its line into English runs straight from Latin, borrowed directly rather than through French, so the word kept its original sense of a finished piece of work largely intact. In music, "opus" came to mean a composition that has been numbered in the order it was produced or published. A composer's catalogue of works might run from Opus 1 to Opus 100 or more, which lets listeners tell apart pieces that share a title or form. The number marks the composer's own output rather than any inherent quality of the piece. Beyond music, the term is sometimes used in English for any substantial creative work, often with a note of deliberate grandeur, as when a writer describes a long novel as "his opus." Its Latin meaning of labour remains visible in that usage.

Synonyms: work, composition, piece, creation, masterpiece