stem β the main trunk of a plant or tree from which branches and leaves grow
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the main trunk of a plant or tree from which branches and leaves grow
Pronunciation (IPA): /stem/
Example Sentences
- My attempt to stem my addiction to chocolate failed when I saw the dessert menu.
- The scientist studied how new technologies stem from basic research.
- She tried to stem her laughter during the serious meeting, but the boss's toupee was just too obvious.
stem
NOUN[/stem/]
the main trunk of a plant or tree from which branches and leaves grow
She holds the rose gently by its long green stem.
They found a gem within each stem!
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π€Pronunciation
π³Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'stemn' or 'stefn', related to Old Norse 'stefna' meaning to steer or direct. The plant meaning likely derives from the concept of the main support or trunk that directs growth.
Breakdown
stem (single morpheme, no productive breakdown) - cognate with Old English 'stemn' and Old Norse 'stefna', possibly related to Proto-Germanic '*stamniz' meaning tree trunk or stem
π΅Rhyme
πCollocations
πExamples
βMy attempt to stem my addiction to chocolate failed when I saw the dessert menu.β
βThe scientist studied how new technologies stem from basic research.β
βShe tried to stem her laughter during the serious meeting, but the boss's toupee was just too obvious.β
βThe plant's stem grew stronger as it reached toward the sunlight.β
πRelated Words
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