Stem

Definition

Stem primarily refers to the main structural part of a plant that holds it upright and carries nutrients, water, and minerals to different parts of the plant. It can also denote the origin or root of a particular thing, action, or event.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

• American English:
  • IPA Pronunciation: /stɛm/
  • Respelling: STEM (with "STEM" rhyming with "hem" and "gem"
  ‍
• British English:
  • IPA Pronunciation: /stɛm/
  • Respelling: STEM (similar to American English, with "STEM" rhyming with "hem" and "gem")
  In both dialects, "stem" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in "hem" or "gem." The pronunciation of "stem" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's simple and direct phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "stem" has its roots in the Old English word "stemn," "stefn," from Proto-Germanic *stamniz. It is akin to Old Norse "stafn," Old High German "stam," and Gothic "stoma."

Derivatives

• Stemless
• Stemlike
• Stemmer
• Stemming

Synonyms

• Noun
  • Stalk
  • Shaft

• Verb:‍
  • Originate
  • Derive

Antonyms

• Noun:
  • Root
  • Branch

• ‍Verb:
  • Cease
  • Halt

Usage

The noun "stem" is typically used in a botanical or biological context to refer to the main structural component of a plant. The verb "stem" can be used to refer to the origination or derivation of something, or to stop the flow or spread of something.

Related Terms

• Stem cell
• Stemming (in computational linguistics)
• Stem-and-leaf display (in statistics)

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Plant Structure: The main structural part of a plant that typically rises above the ground and supports the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits, and serves as a conduit for water, nutrients, and sugars.
• Example: The rose stem was long and thorny.

• Origin or Root: The origin or root of a particular thing, action, or event.
• Example: We need to find the stem of the problem to solve it.

Verb

• Originate: To have as a source or root; originate or arise.
• Example: The practice stems from ancient traditions.

• Stop: To stop or restrict (the flow of something).
• Example: The emergency services stemmed the flow of water into the basement.