*mentum*

{ ‖ } n. [ L. crassamentum, fr. crassare to make thick. See Crass, a. ] A semisolid mass or clot, especially that formed in coagulation of the blood. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Juramenta [ L. ] (Roman & Old Eng. Law) An oath. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L., chin. ] (Zool.) The front median plate of the labium in insects. See Labium. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. L. Momenta F. Momentums [ L. See Moment. ] 1. (Mech.) The quantity of motion in a moving body, being always proportioned to the quantity of matter multiplied by the velocity; impetus. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Essential element, or constituent element. [ 1913 Webster ]

I shall state the several momenta of the distinction in separate propositions. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A property of an activity or course of events, viewed as analogous to forward motion or to physical momentum (def. 1), such that the activity is believed to be able to continue moving forward without further application of force or effort; -- often used to describe an increase in the acquisition of public support for a purpose; as, as, the petition drive gained momentum when it was mentioned in the newspapers. [ PJC ]

n.; pl. Omenta [ L. ] (Anat.) A free fold of the peritoneum, or one serving to connect viscera, support blood vessels, etc.; an epiploon. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The great, or gastrocolic, omentum forms, in most mammals, a great sac, which is attached to the stomach and transverse colon, is loaded with fat, and covers more or less of the intestines; the caul. The lesser, or gastrohepatic, omentum connects the stomach and liver and contains the hepatic vessels. The gastrosplenic omentum, or ligament, connects the stomach and spleen. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Paladumenta (Rom. Antiq.) A military cloak worn by a general and his principal officers. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Submenta [ NL. See Sub-, and Mentum. ] (Zool.) The basal part of the labium of insects. It bears the mentum. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. Tegmenta [ L., a covering. ] (Anat.) A covering; -- applied especially to the bundles of longitudinal fibers in the upper part of the crura of the cerebrum. [ 1913 Webster ]