sima

¹

[ sahy-muh ]

noun

, Geology.

1. an assemblage of rocks, rich in silica and magnesium, that constitutes the lower layer of the earth's crust and is found beneath the ocean floors and the sial of continents.

sima

²

[ sahy-muh ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. the uppermost member of a full classical order, usually a cyma recta, representing a roof gutter; cymatium.

sima

/ saɪˈmætɪk; ˈsaɪmə /

noun

1. the silicon-rich and magnesium-rich rocks of the earth's oceanic crust, the most abundant individual rock being basalt
2. the earth's continental lower crust, probably comprised of gabbro rather than basalt

Derived Forms

• simatic, adjective

Other Words From

• si·mat·ic [sahy-, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sima¹

< German (1909), equivalent to Latin si ( licium ) silicium + ma ( gnesium ) magnesium

Origin of sima²

Variant of cyma

Word History and Origins

Origin of sima¹

C20: from si ( lica ) + ma ( gnesia )

Example Sentences

I know Sima Samar, the chair of the human-rights commission there.

From The Daily Beast

But rather than showing any signs of slowing down, when asked about her personal source of energy, Sima had a ready answer.

From The Daily Beast

Let me tell you about Dr. Sima Samar, one of three reported “finalists.”

From The Daily Beast

We tore past Tsu-sima, an island in the Corea strait, and laughingly cleared the run down to Nagasaki.

From Project Gutenberg

But the little ship being minus several sheets of copper, we put in at the island of Tsu-sima to allow her effective repairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Rabbana Ashi (born 352, died 427) was the son of Sima, and the descendant of an ancient family.

From Project Gutenberg

The Batoko wife of Sima came up from the Falls, to welcome her husband back, bringing a present of the best fruits of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

Sima was the earlier name in the MS., but was erased by Linnus.

From Project Gutenberg