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

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Cite this Entry

“Dama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dama. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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