noma

n.
A severe, often gangrenous inflammation of the mouth or genitals, occurring usually after an infectious disease and found most often in children in poor hygienic or malnourished condition.

[Latin nomē, ulcer, from Greek, pasturage, feeding, spreading (of a sore).]

(nō′mə)
n

A progressive necrotizing process originating in the cheek with secondary involvement of the gingiva and jawbone. Occurs primarily in debilitated children, and the mortality rate is high. There is a strong, foul odor; marked surrounding edema; absence of a specific erythematous halo; marked changes in the white blood cell count; and a high temperature. See also necrosis, exanthematous and stomatitis, gangrenous.

An idiopathic disorder similar to oral necrobacillosis; a rapidly spreading pseudomembranous to gangrenous stomatitis.

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