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Definition of mola

mola

/ˈmoʊ.lə/
mo · la

Plural:molas
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mola Lexical Profile

mola Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, heavily built, and distinctively flattened marine fish of the genus Mola (particularly Mola mola), native to temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, commonly known as the ocean sunfish.

Example

"The divers were amazed when a massive mola swam slowly past them to bask near the surface of the water."


2

A traditional, intricately patterned textile panel or blouse created by the indigenous Guna people of Panama and Colombia, characterized by colorful layers of reverse appliqué.

Example

"She purchased a beautifully hand-stitched mola during her travels in Panama, planning to frame the colorful textile as a piece of art."

• Rhymes for mola

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct origins. In biology, it derives from Latin 'mola', meaning 'millstone', referring to the ocean sunfish's large, round, and flat appearance. In textiles, it comes directly from the Guna language of Panama and Colombia, where 'mola' means 'shirt' or 'clothing'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mola. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mola
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