noma

noun

no·​ma ˈnō-mə How to pronounce noma (audio)
: a spreading invasive gangrene chiefly of the lining of the cheek and lips that is usually fatal and occurs most often in persons severely debilitated by disease or profound nutritional deficiency

Examples of noma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On Friday, the WHO officially announced noma as the 21st NTD. John Button, STAT, 16 Dec. 2023 Let noma serve as the template for unified medical-dental campaigns. John Button, STAT, 16 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'noma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin, "corrosive ulcer," going back to Latin nomē, borrowed from Greek nomḗ "pasture, provender, sustenance, spreading (of a fire or ulcer)," noun derivative of némein "to graze, pasture (animals)," (middle voice) némesthai "to feed on" — more at nimble

Note: The sense "spreading (of a fire or ulcer)" presumably developed from an earlier sense "something devoured (as by fire or an ulcer)," with the meaning then transferred to the process of devouring.

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noma was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near noma

Cite this Entry

“Noma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noma. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

noma

noun
no·​ma ˈnō-mə How to pronounce noma (audio)
: a spreading invasive gangrene chiefly of the lining of the cheek and lips that is usually fatal and occurs most often in persons severely debilitated by disease or profound nutritional deficiency see cancrum oris
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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