Rhapsody - technical definition

(1) A subscription-based online music service from RealNetworks that gives users unlimited access to a vast library of major and independent label music. Within a single interface, Rhapsody provides access to streaming music, Internet radio and extensive music information and recommendations. Subscribers can also buy songs and burn full albums or custom mix CDs of favorite tunes. As with other music services such as iTunes, Rhapsody offers the ability to browse its music library by Artist, Title, Composer, Album or Track. Rhapsody, launched in late 2001, can be purchased through RealNetworks or distribution partners.

(2) The code name given to a next-generation operating system from Apple that eventually evolved into Mac OS X. Rhapsody was a Unix-based operating system that supported the Mac OS (Blue Box) and OpenStep (Yellow Box) from NeXT. See Mac OS X, Yellow Box and NeXT.