soma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “soma” mean?
The body of an organism, especially as distinct from the mind or spirit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The body of an organism, especially as distinct from the mind or spirit.
In biology, the entire body of an organism excluding the germ cells. In neuroscience, the main cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus. In historical contexts, a ritual drink of ancient India, often personified as a deity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it primarily in academic/technical registers.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific, or historical.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “soma” in a Sentence
The soma [verb]...Damage to the somaThe [adjective] somaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form]
American English
- [No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement.
- She studied somatic cell genetics.
American English
- Somatic symptoms can manifest under stress.
- The therapy focused on somatic experiencing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in neuroscience, cell biology, and anthropology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in neuroscience for the neuron's cell body.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soma”
- Using 'soma' to mean 'soul' or 'mind' (the opposite of its core meaning).
- Pronouncing it /soʊˈmɑː/ (like 'samba').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term used primarily in academic and scientific contexts like neuroscience, biology, and anthropology.
'Soma' is a noun meaning the body or cell body. 'Somatic' is an adjective meaning 'relating to the body' (e.g., somatic cells, somatic nervous system).
No, that is a common confusion. The sleep-related drug in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' is named 'Soma', but the word itself does not mean sleep. It was likely chosen for its connotations of the body and an ancient intoxicant.
It would sound very unusual and overly technical. In everyday contexts, you would use words like 'body' or 'physique' instead.
The body of an organism, especially as distinct from the mind or spirit.
Soma is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Soma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsəʊmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsoʊmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SOmatic' - relating to the body. SOMA is the BODY of the cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (for the nucleus and organelles).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'soma' a fundamental technical term?