ذَمَاءٌ

[a verbal noun of 1, (q. v.,) in several senses: as a simple subst., it signifies] Motion [in a slaughtered animal: see 1]: (T, M, K:) and remains of the soul, or vital principle, (S, M, K, and Meyd in explanation of a prov. cited in what follows,) in a slaughtered animal: (S:) or strength of heart: (M, K:) or the state between slaughter and the exit of the soul; but there is no ذَمَاء in the case of a human being: or strong tenaciousness of life after slaughter. (Meyd in explaining the prov. above referred to.) It is said, الضَّبُّ أَطْوَلُ شَىْءٍ ذَمَاءً [The lizard called ضبّ is the longest thing in retaining the remains of life, &c.]. (T, S.) Hence the prov., أَطْوَلُ ذَمَاءً مِنَ الضَّبِّ [Longer in retaining the remains of life, &c., than the ضبّ]. (Meyd, TA.)

Also (tropical:) Sickness; as in the saying, فُلَانٌ بَاقِى الذَّمَاءِ Such a one is long suffering sickness. (MF.)

And A fracture of the head: and a spear-wound, or the like, such as is termed جَايءِفٌ [q. v.]. (Meyd ubi suprà.)