stem
stem
stem
stem
British pronunciation
/ˈstɛm/

Definition & Meaning of "stem"in English

Stem
01

the main part of a plant that connects the roots to the twigs, leaves, and flowers

stem definition and meaning

What is a "stem"?

A stem is a vital part of a plant's anatomy that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits, and serves as a channel for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. Stems come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from woody and rigid to soft and flexible, depending on the plant species. They can grow above or below ground, and they often exhibit nodes, where leaves, branches, or flowers emerge, and internodes, the spaces between nodes. Stems play a crucial role in the growth, structure, and overall health of plants, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments and adapt to changing conditions.

example
Examples
The scientist examined the stem under a microscope to study its structure and how it conducts nutrients.
After picking the herbs, she removed the stems and used the leaves for cooking.
02

(in linguistics) the base form of a word after removing affixes

What is a "stem"?

A stem is the base form of a word to which affixes, such as prefixes or suffixes, can be added to create new words or modify its meaning. The stem contains the core meaning of the word and can stand alone or serve as the foundation for further word formation. For example, in the word "unhappiness", the stem is "happy", which conveys the primary meaning, while "un-" and "-ness" are added to change the meaning and grammatical function. Stems are essential in linguistics for understanding word structure and the relationships between words in a language.

example
Examples
In " unhappiness, " the stem is " happy. "
Linguists analyze stems to understand word formation.
03

a long, narrow, or cylindrical part of an object or mechanism

example
Examples
He replaced the broken stem of his wine glass.
The stem of the watch connected the crown to the gears.
04

a type of turn in skiing made by angling one ski outward while the other remains straight

example
Examples
He practiced the stem to control his speed on steep slopes.
Beginners learn the stem before moving to parallel turns.
05

the forwardmost part of a ship or aircraft, forming its leading edge or prow

example
Examples
The ship 's stem cut cleanly through the waves.
The aircraft 's stem showed minor damage after landing.
06

the hollow shaft of a smoking pipe connecting the bowl to the mouthpiece

example
Examples
He cleaned the pipe 's stem after every use.
Smoke curled through the stem as he exhaled.
07

a person's leg, often used playfully or in casual conversation

SlangSlang
example
Examples
She has long, toned stems that look amazing in those shorts.
He kicked the ball with both stems.
to stem
01

to be caused by something

Transitive: to stem from a cause
example
Examples
The rise in inflation can often stem from increased demand for goods and services without a corresponding increase in supply.
The environmental degradation in the area stems from unsustainable logging practices and deforestation.
02

to stop something, particularly something undesirable, from developing or spreading

Transitive: to stem an undesirable action or event
example
Examples
Quick action to quarantine affected individuals helped stem the spread of the contagious disease in the community.
The timely intervention of firefighters helped stem the wildfire.
03

to restrain, obstruct, or halt the movement or flow of a liquid

Transitive: to stem the flow of a liquid
example
Examples
The plumber worked quickly to stem the flow of water from the burst pipe.
Emergency crews used sandbags to stem the rising floodwaters and protect homes in the low-lying areas.
04

to extract or cut away the central supporting structure, typically of fruit or tobacco leaves

Transitive: to stem fruit or tobacco leaves
example
Examples
Before making a fruit salad, it 's necessary to stem the strawberries to remove the tough central core.
In wine production, grapes are stemmed to separate the juicy berries from the woody stems before the crushing process.
STEM
Pronunciation
/ˈstɛm/
British pronunciation
/stˈɛm/
STEM
01

fields of study and careers that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

What is "STEM"?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on these four fields. STEM education encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing students for careers in areas like science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, which are essential to modern society.

example
Examples
She is pursuing a degree in STEM to become an engineer.
Many schools offer special programs to encourage students to explore STEM subjects.
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