1. za the second of the three sibilants (it belongs to the cerebral class, and is sometimes substituted for s , and more rarely for S , and occasionally interchangeable with K ; in sound it corresponds to sh in the English word shun ; many roots which begin with s are written in the Dhātu-pāṭha with z , prob. to show that their initial s is liable to be cerebralized after certain prepositions).
2. za mfn. (only L. ; for 3. za See below) best, excellent
food; to eat
accept, take!
ZA [R]
za a. 1 Best, excellent. 2 Wise, learned. — zaH 1 Loss, destruction. 2 End. 3 Rest, remainder. 4 Final emancipation. 5 Loss of knowledge. 6 Heaven. 7 Sleep. 8 A learned man. 9 A teat or nipple. 10 Hair. 11 Delivery ( garmavimocana ).