Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A benevolent aspect of Devi; 'splendor': In Hinduism, 'Uma' is a name for the goddess Parvati, representing a gentle, benevolent, and splendid form of the divine mother Devi. This name emphasizes her radiant and auspicious qualities.

2. Noun:

   • Fringe-toed lizard: A type of lizard belonging to the genus Uma, found in desert regions of North America. These lizards are characterized by scales on their toes that facilitate movement on loose sand.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:

  • The devotee prayed to Uma for grace and compassion.
  • In the scripture, the goddess is invoked as Uma, the embodiment of divine splendor.

• Noun:

  • The biologist studied the adaptation of the uma to its arid habitat.
  • We spotted a fringe-toed lizard, an uma, scurrying across the dunes.

Advanced Usage

• As a given name: 'Uma' is commonly used as a feminine given name in various cultures, inspired by the goddess.
  • The actress Uma Thurman is named after the Hindu goddess.

Variants and Related Words

• Parvati: Another primary name for the same goddess, often used interchangeably with Uma.
• Devi: The general Sanskrit term for "goddess," of which Uma is a specific form.
• Uma: The italicized form denotes the genus in biological taxonomy.

Synonyms

• Parvati (for the goddess aspect)
• Fringe-toed lizard (for the animal aspect)

Notes on Different Meanings

The word 'uma' has two distinct and unrelated meanings: 1. A proper noun from Hindu theology referring to a goddess. 2. A common noun from zoology referring to a genus of lizards. The context of the sentence makes it clear which meaning is intended.

Noun

1. fringe-toed lizard
2. a benevolent aspect of Devi; `splendor'