Pronunciation : A"ri*a
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [It., fr. L. a?r. See Air.] (Mus.)
Definition : Defn: An air or song; a melody; a tune.
Note: The Italian term is now mostly used for the more elaborate accompanied melodies sung by a single voice, in operas, oratorios, cantatas, anthems, etc., and not so much for simple airs or tunes.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913