intermezzo

Noun

intermezzo (plural intermezzos or intermezzi)

1. A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.
   • Thespis’ single actor served only to create an intermezzo between choral chants.1924, Herbert Weir Smyth, “I. Introduction”, in Aeschylean Tragedy, page 19
   • She had ample time, too, to change for the next scene, which started with a longish intermezzo staged by a ballet company whose services Scotty had engaged [...].1969, Vladimir Nabokov, Ada or Ardor, Penguin, published 2011, page 8
2. A palate cleanser; a small snack with a bright light neutral taste; a fruit; a fresh sparkling wine; or a fruity or milky cocktail; that is served between courses in a meal.
3. A tactical move which interrupts the execution of the current plan.