Lassa

1 9.5

The capital city of Tibet that is a religious center with sacred monasteries and old palaces

proper noun

: Lhasa

As the capital of Tibet, Lassa serves as the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

Examples

Visitors to Lassa can explore the historic sites that reflect its rich spiritual history.
Lassa is known for its stunning landmarks and deep cultural heritage.
In state Senate District 24, which includes all of Portage County, incumbent Democrat Julie Lassa of Stevens Point will be challenged by Republican Scott Kenneth Noble of Marshfield.

Blog text (17)
In January 1969, an American missionary nurse working in the small Nigerian village of Lassa, 400 miles to the east, fell sick with a fever, progressing to a heretofore unrecognized and mysterious hemorrhagic disease.

Blog text (13)

Synonyms

Lhasa

vsLassa

10 6.4

Capital city of Tibet and a holy center of Tibetan Buddhism

is the alternative historical spelling for the same Tibetan capital

Compounds

Lassa fever

Specialized

1 7.8

A serious viral illness from West Africa spread by rats that causes fever and muscle pain and can be fatal

Lassa virus

Specialized

1 6.5

A germ that causes Lassa fever, a serious disease in West Africa

Surface Forms

Lassa main

Etymology

Lassa comes from the Tibetan name Lhasa, which has two parts: lha meaning 'god' and sa meaning 'place' or 'earth'. So Lassa originally means 'place of the gods', which fits its long history as a sacred, religious center visited by many pilgrims.