Diva

Diva is the Latin and Italian word for "goddess", the feminine form of the Latin word divus (= "god").

Time Magazine observed in its 21 October 2002 issue: "By definition, a diva is a rampaging female ego redeemed only in part by a lovely voice." The word was originally used of great female opera singers, almost always sopranos (like Maria Callas), but is now used to describe any female celebrity, whether a female singer, movie actress, or athlete.

There are many women who are world famous divas, among them Madonna, Cher, Britney Spears, and among athletes, Lisa Leslie and Brandi Chastain.

A less-used Italian word, Divo, describes male super stars.

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Diva is also the title the first in a series of novels by mystery author Dellacorta. There is also a film based on the novel.