chama

1 of 2

noun (1)

cha·​ma

ˈkāmə

1

Chama : a genus (the type of the family Chamidae) of eulamellibranchiate bivalve mollusks of warm or tropical seas having fixed massive irregular inequivalve shells and comprising the rock oysters and extinct related forms

2

plural -s : a member of the genus Chama : rock oyster

Chama

2 of 2

noun (2)

Cha·​ma

ˈchämə

plural Chama or Chamas

1

a

: a Panoan people of northeastern Peru

b

: a member of such people

called also Chuncho

2

: the language of the Chama people

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin, from Latin chama, chema cockle, from Greek chēmē; akin to Greek chaskein to yawn, gape, Latin hiare

Noun (2)

Spanish, of American Indian origin

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now