n. 1. a. A drama, such as a play, film, or television program, characterized by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, and interpersonal conflicts. b. The dramatic genre characterized by this treatment. 2. Behavior or occurrences having melodramatic characteristics. [Alteration of melodrame, from French mélodrame, spoken drama that includes some musical accompaniment, melodrama : Greek melos, song + French drame, drama (from Late Latin drāma; see DRAMA).] |
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