Definition: ovation

Search dictionary for

Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

ovation
     n : enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud
         applause) [syn: standing ovation]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Ovation \O*va"tion\, n. [L. ovatio, fr. ovare to exult, rejoice,
   triumph in an ovation; cf. Gr. ? to shout: cf. F. ovation.]
   1. (Rom. Antiq.) A lesser kind of triumph allowed to a
      commander for an easy, bloodless victory, or a victory
      over slaves.

   2. Hence: An expression of popular homage; the tribute of the
      multitude to a public favorite.

            To rain an April of ovation round Their statues.
                                                  --Tennyson.

Source: THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) 

OVATION, n.  n ancient Rome, a definite, formal pageant in honor of
one who had been disserviceable to the enemies of the nation.  A
lesser "triumph."  In modern English the word is improperly used to
signify any loose and spontaneous expression of popular homage to the
hero of the hour and place.

    "I had an ovation!" the actor man said,
        But I thought it uncommonly queer,
    That people and critics by him had been led
            By the ear.

    The Latin lexicon makes his absurd
        Assertion as plain as a peg;
    In "ovum" we find the true root of the word.
            It means egg.
                                                          Dudley Spink