manna

man·na

noun \ˈma-nə\

Definition of MANNA

1

a : food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness b : divinely supplied spiritual nourishment c : a usually sudden and unexpected source of gratification, pleasure, or gain

2

a : the sweetish dried exudate of a Eurasian ash (especially Fraxinus ornus) that contains mannitol and has been used as a laxative and demulcent b : a similar product excreted by a scale insect (Trabutina mannipara) feeding on the tamarisk

Examples of MANNA

1. Your generous gift was manna from heaven.
2. <the announcement that there would be a sequel was manna to the many fans of the original movie>

Origin of MANNA

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew mān

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to MANNA

Synonyms: delectation, feast, gas [slang], joy, kick, delight, pleasure, treat

Antonyms: affliction, bane, curse, evil, plague, scourge

Related Words: amusement, diversion, entertainment, fun, recreation; comfort, relief, solace; gratification, indulgence; ambrosia

Near Antonyms: hex, hoodoo, jinx; bother, irritant, nuisance, pest; disadvantage; cross, misery, trial, tribulation

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with MANNA

ana, canna, nana