Coma

(kō'mah.) [Gr. kōma, a lethargy.] (Med.) A preternatural propensity to sleep, or lethargic drowsine . It is a symptom which often attends acute and malignant fevers. C. somnolentum, is when the patient continues in a profound sleep, and, if awaked, immediately relapses, without being able to keep his eyes open. [Gr. kome, hair.] (Ast.) The hairy appearance that surrounds a comet when the earth is between it and the sun. (Bot.) The collection of branches which forms Coma the head Berenicis, of a forest-tree. (be-rěn'e-sis.) [' Berenice's hair.'] (Astron.) A constellation of the N. hemisphere, composed of stars of the 4th and 5th magnitude, near the tail of Leo, abt. 5º of the equinoctial co lure. [s. 209]