prima donna [It.]

The singer of the principal female role in opera, or the leading female singer in an opera company. The corresponding male designation, less frequently used, is primo uomo. The term was in use by the middle of the 17th century, spurred on, it has been conjectured, by the development of public opera houses. It connotes a performer of overbearing temperament and arrogance. Terminology for the hierarchy of singers has at times been subject to an inflation resulting in the use of terms such as prima donna assoluta (absolute first lady) or diva (goddess).