Stem: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฑ
Add to dictionary

stem

 

[ stษ›m ]

Noun / Verb
Plants
Context #1 | Noun

science

The main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean.

Synonyms

shoot, stalk, trunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stem

This appears to be a duplicate of the first word 'stem'. Please refer to the context and examples provided for the first 'stem'.

stalk

Use 'stalk' when referring to the main stem of a herbaceous plant or the slender support of an individual flower/fruit. It is often used to describe thicker or more robust stems.

  • The corn stalks stood tall in the field.
  • He held the apple by its stalk and took a bite.
trunk

Use 'trunk' when referring to the main woody stem of a tree. It is a term that describes the central support of larger plants.

  • The elephant hid behind the thick tree trunk.
  • The tree trunk was covered in rough bark.
shoot

Use 'shoot' when referring to a new growth emerging from the ground or from an older stem. This term often implies something young and fresh.

  • New shoots are sprouting up in the garden.
  • Look at the bamboo shoots growing so quickly.

Examples of usage

  • The stem of a flower.
  • The stem of a tree.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

To support and hold in place; to be the connecting or main part.

Synonyms

arise, derive, originate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stem

Used to describe the origin or source of something in a more descriptive or historical context. It can also mean to stop something.

  • The tradition stems from ancient rituals
  • The police are working to stem the flow of illegal activities
originate

Used to specify the beginning or starting point of something, often in a geographical or historical context.

  • The festival originated in the 19th century
  • This dish originates from Italy
arise

Used to describe the emergence or occurrence of situations, opportunities, or problems. Generally, it indicates something coming into existence unexpectedly or naturally.

  • Problems often arise when expectations are not clear
  • A new opportunity has arisen in our department
derive

Used to explain that something has been obtained or developed from a specific source, usually in an analytical or scientific context.

  • Many English words are derived from Latin
  • The medication is derived from natural sources

Examples of usage

  • The veins that stem the leaf.
  • The river stems from the mountains.

Translations

Translations of the word "stem" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น caule

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stamm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ batang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะตะฑะปะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚odyga

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ŒŽ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tige

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tallo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรถvde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ค„๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stonek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ stonka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ŒŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ steblo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stรถng

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฐะฑะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sap

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tallo

Etymology

The word 'stem' originated from the Old English word 'stefn', which meant the main stalk of a plant. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the verb form indicating the origin or source of something. Stem has been used in various contexts, from botany to linguistics, highlighting its versatility and importance in different fields.

See also: stems, stemware.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,256, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.