Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Australian operatic soprano (1861-1931): Dame Nellie Melba was a celebrated Australian soprano, one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century. Her stage name, "Melba," was derived from her hometown of Melbourne.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Dame Nellie Melba was renowned for her performances in operas by Donizetti and Verdi.
  • The biography details Dame Nellie Melba's international career and her influence on opera.

Advanced Usage

• "To do a Melba": This informal Australian phrase refers to a prolonged farewell or a series of retirement comebacks, inspired by Melba's many farewell performances.
  • After his third retirement party, his colleagues joked that he was doing a Melba.

Variants and Related Words

• Melba toast (n): A dry, crisp, thinly sliced toast, named in honor of Dame Nellie Melba.
  • The soup was served with a side of Melba toast.
• Peach Melba (n): A classic dessert of peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream, created by chef Auguste Escoffier for the soprano.
  • For dessert, we enjoyed a delicious Peach Melba.

Synonyms

• Opera singer: A performer who sings in operas.
• Prima donna: The leading female singer in an opera company.

Notes

• Dame Nellie Melba's birth name was Helen Porter Mitchell. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1918.
• Her name is immortalized not only in music history but also in culinary terms, reflecting her significant cultural status.

Noun

1. Australian operatic soprano (1861-1931)