Coma
/ˈkoʊmə/
nounIntermediateCommonMedical
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A state of deep unconsciousness for a prolonged period, caused by severe injury, illness, or drug overdose.
/ˈkoʊmə/
nounnegativeIntermediate
Medical
Prolonged state of unconsciousness
The car crash left her in a coma.
💡 Simply: Imagine sleeping so deeply you don't wake up for a long, long time – that's a coma. It's usually because of a serious injury or illness.
👶 For kids: Sleeping for a super long time because you're very, very sick.
More Examples
2
Doctors are hopeful that he will emerge from his coma soon.
How It's Used
Medical
"The patient remained in a coma for several days after the accident."
From Greek κῶμα (kōma) meaning "deep sleep".
The word has been used in medical contexts since ancient times, referring to a state of profound unconsciousness.
Memory tip
Think of 'co-ma' as 'completely out of it'.
Practice
commarcomah
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written