Category:Viola

Vi"o*la, n. Etym: [l., a violet. See violet.] (bot.)

Defn: a genus of polypetalous herbaceous plants, including all kinds Of violets.

Viola Vi"o*la, n. Etym: [it. See viol.] (mus.)

Defn: an instrument in form and use resembling the violin, but Larger, and a fifth lower in compass. Viola da braccio etym: [it., Viol for the arm], the tenor viol, or viola, a fifth lower than the Violin. Its part is written in the alto clef, hence it is sometimes Called the alto. -- viola da gamba etym: [it., viol for the leg], an instrument Resembling the viola, but larger, and held between the knees. It is Now rarely used. -- viola da spalla etym: [it., viol for the shoulder], an instrument Formerly used, resembling the viola, and intermediate in size between The viola and the viola da gamba. -- viola di amore etym: [it., viol of love: cf. F. viole d'amour], a Viol, larger than the viola, having catgut strings upon, and brass or Steel wires under, the keyboard. These, sounding sympathetically with The strings, yield a peculiarly soft and silvery sound. It is now Seldom used.