Coma Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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coma
[ˈkəʊmə ]
Definitions
medical
A coma is a state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged period of time.
Synonyms
stupor, unconsciousness, vegetative state.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coma |
Used in medical contexts to describe a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness where a person cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli.
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| unconsciousness |
Describes a state where a person is not awake and not aware of their surroundings. This can be temporary or due to injury or illness.
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| stupor |
Refers to a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, often temporary and used in both medical and casual contexts.
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| vegetative state |
Used in medical contexts to describe a condition where a person is awake but not aware of themselves or their surroundings. This state can be chronic or persistent.
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Examples of usage
- She has been in a coma for a week.
- The patient slipped into a coma after the accident.
linguistics
A coma is a punctuation mark used to indicate a brief pause in a sentence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coma |
This term is used in medical situations when someone is in a state of prolonged unconsciousness.
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| comma |
A punctuation mark used in writing to indicate a brief pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.
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| pause |
A temporary stop or break in speaking, playing music, or any activity.
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| separator |
An object, device, or symbol that keeps things apart or helps differentiate between different sections, parts or groups.
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Examples of usage
- He added a coma to separate the clauses.
- The writer used a coma for clarity in the sentence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Understanding
- A coma can be caused by a variety of factors including brain injuries, strokes, or serious illnesses.
- Doctors assess the depth of a coma using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures a person's responsiveness and ability to open their eyes.
- Comas can last from days to years, and recovery varies widely based on the individual's condition and the cause.
Cultural Representation
- In literature and film, comas often serve as narrative devices for characters to undergo profound change or undergo a journey of the mind.
- The concept of comas has inspired many works of art, representing themes of life, death, and resurrection.
- Popular media sometimes inaccurately portrays comas as a simple 'sleep,' failing to convey the complexities of consciousness and recovery.
Psychological Insights
- Patients in comas may experience something called 'locked-in syndrome,' where they are unable to move but remain aware of their surroundings.
- Research indicates that auditory stimuli, such as familiar voices, may elicit responses even in patients who appear unresponsive.
- The experience of coma has raised questions about consciousness and the mind-body connection, intriguing scientists and philosophers alike.
Historical Context
- Historically, the understanding and treatment of comas have evolved from ancient beliefs about the soul and spirit to modern medical practices.
- Famous cases, like the 1980s patient Terry Schiavo, brought national attention to the ethical dilemmas surrounding coma and life support.
- In ancient Egypt, coma-like conditions were sometimes viewed as a form of communication with the gods, reflecting cultural beliefs about life and death.
Origin of 'coma'
The word 'coma' originated from the Greek word 'koma' meaning deep sleep. In ancient times, a coma was believed to be a sacred state where the soul could leave the body and travel to other realms. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a state of deep unconsciousness in medical terminology.