noma

[ noh-muh ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural no·mas.

1. a gangrenous ulceration of the mouth or genitalia, occurring mainly in debilitated children.

noma

/ ˈnəʊmə /

noun

1. a gangrenous inflammation of the mouth, esp one affecting malnourished children

Word History and Origins

Origin of noma¹

1825–35; < New Latin, Latin nomē a sore, ulcer < Greek nomḗ a feeding, grazing (akin to némein to feed, graze, consume)

Word History and Origins

Origin of noma¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin nomē ulcer, from Greek nomē feeding; related to Greek nemein to feed

Example Sentences

WHO’s listing comes after years of advocacy to raise awareness about the disease, including a January request from Nigeria and 32 other countries with significant numbers of noma cases.

From Science Magazine

"To continue being noma, we must change. Therefore, dear guests and friends, we have some exciting news to share," the restaurant announced in an Instagram post on Monday.

From Salon

Out of that comes nomas, a member of a wandering pastoral tribe.

From New York Times

The Army chief, Gen. Pingre­noma Zagre, issued a statement Saturday condemning all violence against civilians and urging soldiers to act “with professionalism.”

From Washington Post

The noma or fetich spear to be carried in front of the caravan, with charms secured to it, was thus prepared.

From Project Gutenberg