intermezzo means A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
intermezzo is pronounced /ɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ/.
Why “intermezzo” is a great word
INTERMEZZO — [Noun] A short, intervening piece of music, performance, or course of food, serving as a diversion or palate cleanser between the main parts of a larger work or meal. From the Italian intermezzo, from the Latin intermedium ('that which is between'), from inter ('between') + medius ('middle'). Unlike an 'interlude,' which suggests a generic, often formless pause, or an 'entr'acte,' which is bound specifically to the theatre, an intermezzo is a deliberately crafted miniature, an aesthetic suspension within a grander design. It is the bright, citrus sorbet served between rich courses; the poignant, wordless orchestral piece bridging two tumultuous acts; the tactical pause in a long debate where one simply watches the dust motes drift in a shaft of light. It is the formal acknowledgment that all sustained effort requires a moment of deliberate, beautiful withdrawal.
noun
- A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.“Thespis’ single actor served only to create an intermezzo between choral chants.”
- A palate cleanser; a small snack with a bright light neutral taste; a fruit; a fresh sparkling wine; or a fruity or milky cocktail; that is served between courses in a meal.
- A tactical move which interrupts the execution of the current plan.