mana

[mah-nah]

noun

1. Anthropology.,  a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or people.

2. Games.,  a finite supply of magic or magic points that is depleted with every spell cast by a magic-wielding player character in a video game, role-playing game, collectible card game, trading card game, etc., and that is slowly replenished with rest or quickly restored by certain items, like potions.

   This tank needs to slow his roll—the healer is out of mana.

mana

/ ˈmɑːnə /

noun

1. (in Polynesia, Melanesia, etc) a concept of a life force, believed to be seated in the head, and associated with high social status and ritual power

2. any power achieved by ritual means; prestige; authority

Word History and Origins

Origin of mana¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from a Polynesian language, e.g., Maori, Hawaian mana “power, psychic power, authority, control”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mana¹

from Polynesian

Example Sentences

Maktoum and her first husband, UAE businessman Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, split in 2024 and have a young daughter together.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Becky G, Ivan Cornejo, Fuerza Regida, Junior H, Grupo Frontera and Maná were among the acts to publicly voice concern for the immigrant community.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The ballot presented to voters in February also included Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, Oasis and Phish, who did not make the cut.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Also on the ballot for the Class of 2025 are Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Maná, Billy Idol and the White Stripes, among others.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He had been fugitive in Argentina since the previous August, after he failed to appear at a prosecutor's office following accusations of domestic violence by his partner, Cecilia Torres Mana.

Read more on BBC