stem

stem · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The main body or stalk of a plant.

  2. 2.

    [linguistics]The root part of a word.

  3. 3.

    [as verb]To originate from; to stop.

Forms

plural: stems

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    stem the tide — To halt something unwanted.
  • •
    from stem to stern — From one end to the other.

Related words

See also: plant, root, stalk
Synonyms: stalk, trunk

Etymology

From Old English stemn ("stem of a plant").