ENGLISH
REFERENCE

coma

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkoʊmə// UK //kˈəʊmɐ// co·ma

n. a deep state of unconsciousness where a person cannot wake up for a long time. It usually happens after a serious injury or illness.

n. a state of prolonged unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused. Often results from severe trauma, stroke, or metabolic imbalance.


SIMPLE

The patient fell into a coma after the accident.

CONTEXTUAL

Doctors monitored his brain activity closely while he remained in a medically induced coma to allow his injuries to heal.

COMPLEX

The recovery process for patients emerging from a long-term coma is often non-linear, requiring intensive neurological rehabilitation and constant family support.

Synonyms
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”).

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'fall into', 'be in', or 'emerge from'.

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