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Stems: meaning, definitions and examples

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stems

 

[stɛmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

botany

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?

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Word Description / Examples
stems

This is used when referring to the main part of a plant or flower that supports it. It's appropriate for technical or scientific discussions as well as general descriptions of plants.

  • The roses have long, thorny stems.
  • She carefully trimmed the stems of the flowers before arranging them in the vase.
stalk

This word refers to the main stem of a plant, especially a thick or tall one. It can also be used more broadly to describe other long, supportive plant structures.

  • Corn has thick stalks that can reach several feet in height.
  • She bent down to examine the stalk of the sunflower.
trunk

This term is best used when referring to the main woody stem of a tree. It's not typically used for smaller plants and is more common in discussions about trees and forestry.

  • The oak tree has a thick, sturdy trunk.
  • Children often like to carve their initials into the trunk of a tree.
shoot

This term is used when talking about a new growth from a plant or tree. It's often used in gardening and botanical contexts, particularly when discussing plant development.

  • The plant started to grow new shoots in the spring.
  • After pruning, several shoots began to appear.

Examples of usage

  • The stem of a rose bush is covered in thorns.
  • Cutting the stems of the flowers will help them last longer in a vase.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

To stop or restrict the flow of a fluid or air.

Synonyms

block, halt, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stems

Use when referring to the origin or cause of something, or in botany for the main structural part of a plant.

  • Her inspiration stems from her childhood experiences
  • The flower has long, slender stems
stop

General term used in everyday language for ceasing movement or activity.

  • Please stop talking during the movie
  • I had to stop the car to avoid hitting the deer
halt

Used in formal or urgent situations to indicate a complete and sudden stop.

  • The police officer ordered the driver to halt
  • Production came to a halt after the machine broke down
block

Best for describing something that obstructs movement or progress, both physically and metaphorically.

  • The road is blocked due to construction
  • His fear of failure blocks his path to success

Examples of usage

  • The doctor used a clamp to stem the bleeding.
  • They managed to stem the leak in the pipe with some tape.

Interesting Facts

Botanical Science

  • Stems come in many forms: some are hard and woody, while others can be soft and green, like those of herbs.
  • In some plants, stems not only support leaves and flowers but can also store food and water.
  • Certain plants can regenerate from just their stems, allowing them to grow back after being cut.

Culinary Uses

  • In cooking, bamboo stems are often used as a crunchy addition to stir-fries and salads.
  • Herb stems, such as those from parsley or cilantro, can add flavor to dishes when chopped and cooked.
  • In the culinary world, the stem of fruits like grapes is often referred to as the 'rachis,' which connects individual berries.

Cultural Symbolism

  • In many cultures, a strong stem represents resilience and stability, often symbolizing support systems in life.
  • In art and literature, stems of flowers are often depicted to signify growth and the beauty of nature.
  • Some communities celebrate longevity by decorating their homes with bloom stems, marking significant life events.

Ecological Role

  • Stems play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing structure to plants, allowing them to grow tall and reach sunlight.
  • They help in carbon fixation, contributing to the overall process of photosynthesis critical for life on Earth.
  • Different stem types can adapt to various environments, like succulents that have thick stems for water storage.

Technology & Innovation

  • Researchers are exploring plant stems for bioengineering purposes, aiming to create stronger materials from natural resources.
  • In agriculture, understanding stem growth can help farmers manage crop cycles and improve yields.
  • Innovative designs in architecture have been inspired by the way stems support foliage, leading to environmentally friendly buildings.

Translations

Translations of the word "stems" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caules

🇮🇳 तने

🇩🇪 Stämme

🇮🇩 batang

🇺🇦 стебла

🇵🇱 łodygi

🇯🇵 茎

🇫🇷 tiges

🇪🇸 tallos

🇹🇷 gövde

🇰🇷 줄기

🇸🇦 سيقان

🇨🇿 stonky

🇸🇰 stonky

🇨🇳 茎

🇸🇮 stebla

🇮🇸 stengur

🇰🇿 сабақтар

🇬🇪 ღეროები

🇦🇿 gövdələr

🇲🇽 tallos

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,204 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.