Stems: meaning, definitions and examples

🌱
Add to dictionary

stems

 

[ stɛmz ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "stems" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caules

🇮🇳 तने

🇩🇪 Stämme

🇮🇩 batang

🇺🇦 стебла

🇵🇱 łodygi

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 tiges

🇪🇸 tallos

🇹🇷 gövde

🇰🇷 줄기

🇸🇦 سيقان

🇨🇿 stonky

🇸🇰 stonky

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 stebla

🇮🇸 stengur

🇰🇿 сабақтар

🇬🇪 ღეროები

🇦🇿 gövdələr

🇲🇽 tallos

Word origin

The word 'stems' originated from the Old English word 'stefn' which meant 'trunk of a tree'. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the main body or stalk of a plant. The verb form of 'stems' developed from the noun, with the idea of 'stopping the flow' coming from the concept of blocking the main support or channel.

See also: stem, stemware.

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.