noun

summa

Summa (noun) means a large, comprehensive work that pulls together everything known on a subject, especially theology or philosophy. Example: “Aquinas's Summa Theologica remains the standard reference work of medieval Christian thought.”

noun

A large, comprehensive work that pulls together everything known on a subject, especially theology or philosophy.

"Aquinas's Summa Theologica remains the standard reference work of medieval Christian thought."

"The professor called his final book a summa of forty years studying Roman law."

The high point or perfect example of something.

"Critics called the film the summa of his directing career."

How to use summa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big, all-encompassing work of scholarship, or the ultimate example of something.

Common pairings

a summa of summa theologica

Word forms

summas plural, summae plural, Summas plural

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Aquinas's _____ Theologica remains the standard reference work of medieval Christian thought.

Etymology

From Latin summa, "the highest" or "total" — the same root behind sum and summit.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for summa

ajumma

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Frequently asked questions

What does “summa” mean?

The word “summa” means a large, comprehensive work that pulls together everything known on a subject, especially theology or philosophy. In plain terms, a big, all-encompassing work of scholarship, or the ultimate example of something.

How do you use “summa” in a sentence?

Here is “summa” used in a sentence: “Aquinas's Summa Theologica remains the standard reference work of medieval Christian thought.”

What part of speech is “summa”?

“Summa” is a noun.

Where does the word “summa” come from?

The word “summa” comes from Latin. From Latin summa, "the highest" or "total" — the same root behind sum and summit.

How many meanings does “summa” have?

“Summa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, comprehensive work that pulls together everything known on a subject, especially theology or philosophy.