stem

¹stem

noun \ˈstem\

Definition of STEM

1

a : the main trunk of a plant; specifically : a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots b : a plant part (as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (as a leaf or fruit) c : the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas

2

a : the main upright member at the bow of a ship b : the bow or prow of a ship — compare stern

3

: a line of ancestry : stock; especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen

4

: the part of an inflected word that remains after the inflected part is removed <strength is the stem of strengths>; also : root 6

5

: something held to resemble a plant stem: as a : a main or heavy stroke of a letter b : the short perpendicular line extending from the head of a musical note c : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a goblet) e : a shaft of a watch used for winding

— from stem to stern

: throughout, thoroughly

Origin of STEM

Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn stem of a plant or ship; akin to Old High German stam plant stem and probably to Greek stamnos wine jar, histanai to set — more at stand

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

Rhymes with STEM

em, femme, gem, hem, LEM, m, mem, phlegm, REM, Shem, them