ˈmænə n. 1
the substance miraculously supplied as
food to the Israelites in the
wilderness (Exod. 16). 2 an
unexpected benefit (esp. manna
from heaven). 3
spiritual nourishment,
esp. the
Eucharist. 4 the
sweet dried juice from the manna-ash
and other plants, used as a
mild laxative. ømanna-ash an
ash tree native to S. Europe, Fraxinus ornus. [OE f. LL f. Gk f. Aram. manna f. Heb.
man, explained as = man hu?
what is it?, but prob. =
Arab. mann exudation of
common tamarisk (Tamarix gallica)]