n. 1 the substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exod. 16). 2 an unexpected benefit (esp. manna from heaven). 3 spiritual nourishment, esp. the Eucharist. 4 the sweet dried juice from the manna-ash and other plants, used as a mild laxative. manna-ash an ash tree native to S. Europe, Fraxinus ornus.
[ OE f. LL f. Gk f. Aram. manna f. Heb. man, explained as = man hu? what is it?, but prob. = Arab. mann exudation of common tamarisk (Tamarix gallica) ]