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summa

noun
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sum·​ma | \ ˈsu̇-mə How to pronounce summa (audio) , ˈsü-, ˈsə- \
plural summae\ ˈsu̇-​ˌmī How to pronounce summa (audio) , ˈsü-​ , -​ˌmā ; ˈsə-​ˌmē , -​ˌmī \

Definition of summa

1 : a comprehensive treatise especially : one by a scholastic philosopher
2 : a synthesis or summary of any subject
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Examples of summa in a Sentence

the director's book is basically a summa of his views on the nature of the theatrical experience
Recent Examples on the Web The Inevitability of Tragedy, Gewen’s first book, is a manifesto or summa of his efforts to convert Kissinger’s critics and would-be prosecutors into his students. — Jim Sleeper, The New Republic, "The Inevitability of Defending Henry Kissinger," 13 Aug. 2020 Baldwin Wallace's newest employee is Jeannie Vassanelli, catering and events manager and a 1998 BW summa cum laude graduate. — Plain Dealer Business Staff, cleveland.com, "Baldwin Wallace University, at 172 years old, is one of the oldest winners: Top Workplaces 2017," 18 June 2017 This year, Prinicipal Jessie Marion addressed the crowd along with student speakers Callie Brennan and Catthi Ly, summa cum laude. — Greg Mellen, Orange County Register, "Marina High School Graduation 2017," 15 June 2017 Pena-Sultanay graduated summa cum laude from MCC's Honors College at the 53rd Commencement Exercises on May 27. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Manchester Edition," 27 June 2017 The Niles resident is a communications and media studies major and recently graduated summa cum laude from the De Pere, Wisconsin school. — Pioneer Press, chicagotribune.com, "Shout Out: Melissa Scheele, Niles West alum and summa cum laude college grad," 9 June 2017 Meyer graduated from the University with the academic designation of summa cum laude; Forrest Miller, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Erin Stacho, Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Management. — 'sam' Boyer/special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Oldest church celebrates with an open house: Whit & Whimsey," 9 June 2017 Tracy M. Gates of Escondido graduated summa cum laude from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. — Laura Groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "North County School News, June 8," 8 June 2017 The bride, 26, graduated summa cum laude from Yale. — New York Times, "Sarah Krinsky, Daniel Novick," 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'summa.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of summa

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for summa

Medieval Latin, from Latin, sum

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Cite this Entry

“Summa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summa. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

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