Phonetics: /ʌ.maˈãː/

Semantic description:
Designates the maternal figure in her affective, intimate and direct relational dimension. It does not mark grammatical gender or number; refers to the maternal function perceived from the point of view of the bond.

It derives from the base ma, widely associated with interiority, welcoming and bodily continuity, with a neutral initial vowel ə indicating an unmarked state and final lengthening -ã suggesting permanence and continuous care.

Usage observations:
Used mainly in family, affective or close narrative contexts. It is not the institutional or neutral term for the parental set.