ʿulama

or u·le·ma

[ oo-luh-mah ]

plural noun

, Islam.

1. the doctors of Muslim religion and law.

ulama

¹

/ ˈuːlɪmə /

noun

1. a body of Muslim scholars or religious leaders
2. a member of this body

ulama

²

/ ˌuːˈlɑːmə /

noun

1. a Meso-American team ball game, with a history dating back to as early as 1500 bc , played with a solid rubber ball on a long narrow court

Word History and Origins

Origin of ʿulama¹

First recorded in 1680–90, ʿulama is from the Arabic word ʿulamā learned men

Word History and Origins

Origin of ʿulama¹

C17: from Arabic `ulamā scholars, from `alama to know

Origin of ʿulama²

from Nahuatl Ullamalitztli ball game

Example Sentences

And, as Ulama came towards them, he signed to her to step aside, out of the line of fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Zelus had set his mind upon taking Ulama from her father to make her, against her will, his wife—or one of them.

From Project Gutenberg

Then they entered the palace, and Ulama came forward to welcome them, with Zonella and many more.

From Project Gutenberg

That afternoon Leonard sought out Ulama and asked to be allowed to row her on the lake; and to this she smiled a glad assent.

From Project Gutenberg

Leonard gratefully poured out his thanks to the kind-hearted king; then went to seek Ulama.

From Project Gutenberg