drama

n. [ L. drama, Gr. dra^ma, fr. dra^n to do, act; cf. Lith. daryti. ] 1. A composition, in prose or poetry, accommodated to action, and intended to exhibit a picture of human life, or to depict a series of grave or humorous actions of more than ordinary interest, tending toward some striking result. It is commonly designed to be spoken and represented by actors on the stage. [ 1913 Webster ]

A divine pastoral drama in the Song of Solomon. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A series of real events invested with a dramatic unity and interest. “The drama of war.” Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]

Westward the course of empire takes its way;
The four first acts already past,
A fifth shall close the drama with the day;
Time's noblest offspring is the last. Berkeley. [ 1913 Webster ]

The drama and contrivances of God's providence. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Dramatic composition and the literature pertaining to or illustrating it; dramatic literature. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The principal species of the drama are tragedy and comedy; inferior species are tragi-comedy, melodrama, operas, burlettas, and farces. [ 1913 Webster ]

The romantic drama, the kind of drama whose aim is to present a tale or history in scenes, and whose plays (like those of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and others) are stories told in dialogue by actors on the stage. J. A. Symonds.

{ } a. [ Gr. dramatiko`s, fr. dra^ma: cf. F. dramatique. ] Of or pertaining to the drama; as, dramatic arts. [ wns=3 ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. suitable to or characteristic of or having the qualities of, a drama; theatrical; as, a dramatic entrance in a swirling cape; a dramatic rescue at sea. Opposite of undramatic. [ wns=1 ] [ Narrower terms: melodramatic; awe-inspiring, spectacular ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

The emperor . . . performed his part with much dramatic effect. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. striking in appearance or effect; vivid; having a thrilling effect; as, a dramatic sunset; a dramatic pause. [ wns=2 ]
Syn. -- spectacular, striking. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

4. (Music) marked by power and expressiveness and a histrionic or theatrical style; -- of a singer or singing voice; as, a dramatic tenor; a dramatic soprano. Contrasted to lyric. [ wns=4 ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adv. In a dramatic manner; theatrically; vividly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. same as dramatization.
Syn. -- dramatization. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

‖ [ L. ] The actors in a drama or play. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. dramatiste. ] The author of a dramatic composition; a writer of plays. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being dramatized. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Act of dramatizing; a dramatic representation. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Dramatized p. pr. & vb. n. Dramatizing ] [ Cf. F. dramatiser. ] To compose in the form of the drama; to represent in a drama; to adapt to dramatic representation; as, to dramatize a novel, or an historical episode. [ 1913 Webster ]

They dramatized tyranny for public execration. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]