1930s; earliest use found in Charles Bazell (1909–1984). From German Sema from ancient Greek σῆμα sign, of unknown origin; the ending probably shows -μα.
Definition of sema in US English:
sema
noun
Semiotics Linguistics rare
A sign; a unit of meaning; = "seme".
Origin
1930s; earliest use found in Charles Bazell (1909–1984). From German Sema from ancient Greek σῆμα sign, of unknown origin; the ending probably shows -μα.