Main Entry:

no·ma

Pronunciation:

\ˈnō-mə\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

New Latin, from Greek nomē, from nemein to spread (of an ulcer), literally, to graze, pasture — more at nimble

Date:

1834

: 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