The term BESS is represented by seven crossword solutions: OPERA (5 letters), SERENA (6 letters), MAMIE (5 letters), ELEANOR (7 letters), PORGY (5 letters), TRUMANS (7 letters), and SUMMERTIME (10 letters). OPERA is a form of musical theatre, usually involving singing and dancing, that originated in Italy in the 16th century. SERENA is a female given name of Latin origin meaning 'SERENE'. MAMIE is a female given name of French origin meaning 'star of the sea'. ELEANOR is a female given name of Greek origin meaning 'LIGHT'. PORGY is a novel by American author DuBose Heyward, which was later adapted into an OPERA by George Gershwin. TRUMANS is a surname derived from the Middle English personal name Trum(p)an, meaning 'noise maker'. SUMMERTIME is a song composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 OPERA PORGY and Bess. PORGYAND is a portmanteau of the words PORGY and Bess, which is an OPERA composed by George Gershwin based on the novel PORGY by DuBose Heyward.