mala
nounnounnounnounnounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈmɑːlɑː//
- United States//ˈmɑlɑ//
- //ˈmeɪ.lə//
- //ˈmæl.ə//
A single lobe of an insect's maxilla.
noun
- 1
A single lobe of an insect's maxilla.
- 2
The grinding surface of an insect's mandible.
- 3
The third segment of a mandible of some myriapods.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin māla (“the cheekbone, jaw”).
noun
- 1
Also a form of malumplural of malum
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
noun
- 1
A bead or a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity.
His words were like beads on the string of a mala, escaping his lips in small puffs of air.
Etymology
Transliteration of Sanskrit माला (mālā, “wreath, garland, crown”).
noun
- 1
Synonym of rufous hare-wallaby.
Etymology
From Western Desert Language, as Pitjantjatjara mala.
noun
- 1
A seasoning made from Sichuan pepper and chilis.
Etymology
Etymology tree Mandarin 麻 (má) Mandarin 辣 (là) Mandarin 麻辣 (málà)bor. English mala Borrowed from Mandarin 麻辣 (málà).
Forms
- plural
- malae, malas