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soma1 definition

soma (sō′mə)

noun pl. somata so′·mata (-mə tə)

the entire body of an animal or plant, with the exception of the germ cells

Etymology: ModL < Gr sōma, body < IE *twōmṇ, something compact, sturdy < base *tēu-, to swell, thick > thumb, L tumor, Gr sōros, a heap

soma2 definition

soma (sō′mə)

noun

  1. an intoxicating plant juice referred to in the literature of Vedic ritual

  2. Etymology: so called as a supposed source of this juice

    an E Indian plant (Sarcostemma acidum) of the milkweed family

Etymology: Sans < IE base *seu-, juice > suck, OE seaw, sap, L sucus, juice

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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