viola

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Noun 1

Singular viola

Plural violas

A violin (left) and a viola (right)

1. (countable) (music) A viola is a stringed instrument, slightly bigger than a violin.

   The viola is tuned one fifth below the violin.

2. (music) A viola is a sound on an organ which is like the sound of a stringed instrument.

   The organist used the viola stop when playing.

Related words

• viol
• violin
• violist
• violoncello

Noun 2

Singular viola

Plural violas

Viola alpina

1. (uncountable) A viola is a family of small flowers.

   Pansies and violets are members of the viola family.