-ne·ma \ˈnēmə\noun combining form (plural-nema·ta \ˈnēməd.ə, ˈnem-, -mətə\ ; or-nemas) Etymology: New Latin, from Greek nēma thread : one having, being, or resembling (such) a thread < chromonema > — especially in generic names in botany and zoology < Hyalonema > < Scytonema >