ama

Definition

Alternative spelling of amah.

Etymology

From Portuguese ama (“female nurse”), from Medieval Latin amma (“wet nurse, amma”), perhaps an alteration of mamma, of imitative origin, or from Ancient Greek.

Example Sentences

• "Not only does the baby have a jewel then, or some handsome gift, but his ama (nurse) is remembered with a bright gold doubloon (sixteen dollars)."
• "Again as with Juan, shortly after the religious rite the children would be transferred to the care of wet nurses, or amas, who would take them into their individual homes."
• "It was rumoured that she had been his ama, the wet nurse who then became part of the family, taking charge so effectively that she ruled the household."