coma

Definition

• n. a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness; usually the result of disease or injury
• n. (botany) a usually terminal tuft of bracts (as in the pineapple) or tuft of hairs (especially on certain seeds)
• n. (astronomy) the luminous cloud of particles surrounding the frozen nucleus of a comet; forms as the comet approaches the sun and is warmed

Word forms

Plural

comas

Example sentences

1. n.

   After the accident, he was in a coma for several weeks.

2. n.

   The telescope showed a noticeable coma around the star, affecting the clarity of the image.