Definition of "stem"
- noun
The above-ground stalk (technically axis) of a vascular plant, and certain anatomically similar, below-ground organs such as rhizomes, bulbs, tubers, and corms.
A slender supporting member of an individual part of a plant such as a flower or a leaf; also, by analogue the shaft of a feather.
A narrow part on certain man-made objects, such as a wine glass, a tobacco pipe, a spoon.
The main part of an uninflected word to which affixes may be added to form inflections of the word. A stem often has a more fundamental root. Systematic conjugations and declensions derive from their stems.
A vertical stroke of a letter.
A vertical stroke of a symbol representing a note in written music.
The vertical or nearly vertical forward extension of the keel, to which the forward ends of the planks or strakes are attached.
- verb
To take out the stem from.
To be caused or derived; to originate.
To descend in a family line.
To direct the stem (of a ship) against; to make headway against.
To hit with the stem of a ship; to ram.
To stop, hinder (for instance, a river or blood).
To move the feet apart and point the tips of the skis inward in order to slow down the speed or to facilitate a turn.
- Sources