Definitions

1. noun

A direction to a variant of a musical theme, often provided in the margin of a musical composition or in a separate section of the score.

“The composer included an ossia in the piano part, allowing the performer to choose between two different melodic lines.”

2. adverb

In the manner of; in the style of.

“The young artist was praised for painting in the manner of the old masters, with a delicate touch and a keen sense of color.”