ossia

From Italian ossia (“or rather”).

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈɑsiə/, /ˈɔsiə/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈɒsɪə/

ossia (plural ossias)

1. (music) In a musical score, an alternative version of a passage, usually just a few measures long. The alternative is usually an easier version of a particularly difficult passage.

• "Ossia staves" at Lilypond

• OASIS, Oasis, Osias, oasis

Univerbation of o (“or”) +‎ sia (“that it be”). Compare Portuguese ou seja, Spanish o sea.

• Rhymes: -ia
• IPA^(key): /osˈsi.a/
• Rhymes: -ia
• Hyphenation: os‧sì‧a

ossia

1. that is; to be precise (used to introduce a clarification or explanation)
2. or rather

• assio, sosia