dama

noun

da·​ma
ˈdāmə
1
capitalized : a genus of deers consisting of the fallow deer
2
plural -s [New Latin (specific epithet of Gazella dama), from Latin, fallow deer] : addra

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin dama, damma fallow deer, antelope, chamois, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish dam ox, dam allaid stag, Welsh dafad sheep, Old Cornish dauat; akin to Greek damalēs young bull, Sanskrit damya young bull, dāmyati he tames

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dama was in 1801

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near dama

Cite this Entry

“Dama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dama. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!