viola
viola
UK[viˈəʊlə]US[viˈoʊlə]
n
a stringed musical instrument of the violin family, slightly larger than a violin and tuned a fifth lower.
n
a plant of a genus that includes the pansies and violets.
Etymology
the word 'viola' has a direct lineage from italian, where it denotes the string instrument. the italian term itself derives from the medieval latin 'vitula' or 'fidula', which referred to a stringed instrument. this latin word is thought to be related to the latin 'vitulari', meaning 'to be joyful', possibly connecting the instrument to celebration. the botanical sense for the genus of flowering plants comes from latin 'viola', meaning 'violet', which is a separate but homographic entry, likely of pre-latin origin.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian and latin where it exists as a simplex form. its spelling and form are not productively built from smaller, recognizable english morphemes.
Examples
she plays the viola in the string quartet.
the deep, rich tones of the viola filled the concert hall.
the viola tricolor, commonly known as the wild pansy, is a familiar garden flower.