Meaning & Definition of word "Stem"

Stem

/stɛm/

1. The main ascending axis of a plant, typically above ground, that supports leaves and flowers.
- Example: The stem of the rose plant is often throny.
2. A long, narrow part of something, such as a pipe, glass, or flower.
- Example: She held her drink by the stem of the glass.
3. A part of a word that remains after removing prefixes or suffixes, often containing the word's core meaning.
- Example: The stem of the word 'running' is 'run'.

1. To originate from or be caused by.
- Example: Her interest in music stems from her childhood experiences with her family.
2. To remove the stem from a fruit or flower.
- Example: You need to stem the strawberries before using them in the recipe.

Middle English 'stem', from Old English 'stem', meaning 'stalk or trunk'.

stem the tide:

To stop or slow down something undesirable.

stem from:

To originate from or be caused by.

stem cell:

A basic class of cells that can develop into different cell types.

stalk:

The stem of a plant or the main axis of a flower.

stemmed:

Having a stem; especially associated with a wine glass.

stemming:

The process of deriving or removing something.

Meaning: In some contexts, to stem means to break away from usual practices.

Example Sentence: He decided to stem from the norm and try something different.

Meaning: In conversational contexts, it can imply to prevent or stop something.

Example Sentence: They need to stem the flow of bad feedback quickly.