coma Definition
- 1a state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged or indefinite period, caused especially by severe injury or illness
- 2a state of inactivity or stagnation
Using coma: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "coma" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patient has been in a coma for three weeks.
Example
The economy is in a coma due to the pandemic.
Example
The company has been in a coma for years and needs a major overhaul.
coma Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for coma
Antonyms for coma
Phrases with coma
a medically induced state of unconsciousness, often used to protect the brain during surgery or to help the body recover from a traumatic injury
Example
The doctors put him in an induced coma to reduce the swelling in his brain.
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that causes unconsciousness due to extremely high or low blood sugar levels
Example
She was rushed to the hospital after falling into a diabetic coma.
a rare condition in which a person is in a coma but can still see, hear, and feel to some extent
Example
Despite being in a coma vigil, she was able to communicate with her family through eye movements.
Origins of coma
from Greek 'koma', meaning 'deep sleep'
Summary: coma in Brief
The term 'coma' [ˈkoʊmə] refers to a state of deep unconsciousness that can last for a prolonged period, often caused by severe injury or illness. It can also refer to a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in 'The economy is in a coma due to the pandemic.' Phrases like 'induced coma' and 'diabetic coma' denote specific medical conditions, while 'coma vigil' describes a rare state in which a person is in a coma but can still see, hear, and feel to some extent.