What does "coma" mean?
A state of unconsciousness from which one may not wake up, usually induced by some form of trauma.
Coma
/ˈkoʊmə/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A state of unconsciousness from which one may not wake up, usually induced by some form of trauma.
- Grammar: coma is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: blackout, catalepsy, catatonia, catatony.
- Useful contrasts: alertness, awakenings, come to.
- Usage evidence: Scientists have been discovering new drugs, so there is always hope for someone in a coma.
How to use "coma"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "coma" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "coma" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "coma" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "coma" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "coma" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "blackout" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "coma", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A state of unconsciousness from which one may not wake up, usually induced by some form of trauma.
"go into a coma"
- 2 A cloud of dust surrounding the nucleus of a comet.
- 3 a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness; usually the result of disease or injury wordnet
- 4 A defect characterized by diffuse, pear-shaped images that in an ideal image would appear as points.
- 5 (astronomy) the luminous cloud of particles surrounding the frozen nucleus of a comet; forms as the comet approaches the sun and is warmed wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A tuft or bunch, such as the assemblage of branches forming the head of a tree, a cluster of bracts when empty and terminating the inflorescence of a plant, or a tuft of long hairs on certain seeds.
- 7 (botany) a usually terminal tuft of bracts (as in the pineapple) or tuft of hairs (especially on certain seeds) wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Scientists have been discovering new drugs, so there is always hope for someone in a coma."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "coma"?
Common synonyms include: blackout, catalepsy, catatonia, catatony, coma cloud, comatoseness.
How do you use "coma" in a sentence?
Scientists have been discovering new drugs, so there is always hope for someone in a coma.
How do you pronounce "coma"?
Pronounced /ˈkoʊmə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek κῶμα (kôma, “deep sleep”).
Etymology 2
Learned borrowing from Latin coma (“hair of the head”), from Ancient Greek κόμη (kómē, “hair”).