तोमा

Meaning

A morsel, mouthful, or prey destined to be devoured.

Detailed Meaning

Literally meaning a morsel of food or bait, 'tu'ma' metaphorically denotes a helpless victim or prey. In classical poetry, it captures fragility and imminent destruction by fate, fire, or mortality. In Ghalib's couplet, the lover depicts himself as a delicate bite that could instantly be consumed by a single soul-melting sigh.

Etymology

Arabic root ط-ع-م (ṭ-ʿ-m), pertaining to food, taste, or eating.

Usage

Often appears in compounds like 'tu'ma-e-ajal' (prey of death) to convey extreme vulnerability and mortality.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words