noma

American  

[noh-muh] / ˈnoʊ mə /

noun

Pathology.

plural

nomas

1. a gangrenous ulceration of the mouth or genitalia, occurring mainly in debilitated children.

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noma British  

/ ˈnəʊmə /

noun

1. a gangrenous inflammation of the mouth, esp one affecting malnourished children

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Etymology

Origin of noma

1825–35; < New Latin, Latin nomē a sore, ulcer < Greek nomḗ a feeding, grazing (akin to némein to feed, graze, consume)

Example Sentences

The new venture is "exciting" and "I feel like they're making noma more accessible," Stephen Velasco, an American who has ben living in Copenhagen for 32 years, told AFP.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

The noma "touch" owes much to fermentation -- which can render even pine edible -- as well as to its sophisticated broths.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

WHO’s listing comes after years of advocacy to raise awareness about the disease, including a January request from Nigeria and 32 other countries with significant numbers of noma cases.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 20, 2023

"To continue being noma, we must change. Therefore, dear guests and friends, we have some exciting news to share," the restaurant announced in an Instagram post on Monday.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2023

The noma or fetich spear to be carried in front of the caravan, with charms secured to it, was thus prepared.

From Fetichism in West Africa Forty Years' Observations of Native Customs and Superstitions by Nassau, Robert Hamill