■ noun
1》 (in the Bible) the substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exod. 16).
2》 an unexpected benefit.
3》 (in Christian contexts) spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist.
4》 a sweet gum obtained from the ~ ash or a similar plant, used as a mild laxative.
Origin
OE, via late L. and Gk from Aramaic mannā , from Heb. mān , corresp. to Arab. mann , denoting an exudation of a tamarisk.