Stem: meaning, definitions and examples

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stem

[ stɛm ]

^{Context #1}

science

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

Synonyms

shoot, stalk, trunk

Examples of usage

The stem of a flower.
The stem of a tree.

^{Context #2}

biology

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

Synonyms

arise, derive, originate

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "stem" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caule

🇮🇳 तना

🇩🇪 Stamm

🇮🇩 batang

🇺🇦 стебло

🇵🇱 łodyga

🇯🇵 茎

🇫🇷 tige

🇪🇸 tallo

🇹🇷 gövde

🇰🇷 줄기

🇸🇦 ساق

🇨🇿 stonek

🇸🇰 stonka

🇨🇳 茎

🇸🇮 steblo

🇮🇸 stöng

🇰🇿 сабақ

🇬🇪 ტოტი

🇦🇿 sap

🇲🇽 tallo

Word origin

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.