Com"ma (?), n. [L. comma part of a sentence, comma, Gr. clause, fr. to cut off. Cf. Capon.]

1.

A character or point [,] marking the smallest divisions of a sentence, written or printed.

2. Mus.

A small interval (the difference beyween a major and minor half step), seldom used except by tuners.

Comma bacillus Physiol., a variety of bacillus shaped like a comma, found in the intestines of patients suffering from cholera. It is considered by some as having a special relation to the disease; -- called also cholera bacillus. -- Comma butterfly Zool., an American butterfly (Grapta comma), having a white comma-shaped marking on the under side of the wings.

 

© Webster 1913.