What is contessa meaning?

The term "contessa" is an Italian word that is commonly known as a title for a female noblewoman or aristocrat in Italy. It is equivalent to the English title of "countess" and is used to address a woman who is a member of the higher ranks of nobility. The title is also incorporated in the names of certain Italian dishes such as "pasta alla contessa" which means "pasta of the countess". In modern usage, the term has also been adapted to refer to any woman who is sophisticated, elegant, or stylish.