n. 1. A unit or group of complementary parts that contribute to a single effect, especially: a. A coordinated outfit or costume. b. A coordinated set of furniture. c. A group of musicians, singers, dancers, or actors who perform together: an improvisational theater ensemble; a woodwind ensemble. 2. Music a. A work for two or more vocalists or instrumentalists. b. The performance of such a work. [French, from Old French, together, from Late Latin īnsimul, at the same time : in-, intensive pref.; see IN-2 + simul, at the same time; see sem-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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