noma

noun

no·​ma ˈnō-mə 

: 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

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

Medical Definition

noma

noun

no·​ma ˈnō-mə 

: 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