stem [ stem ]
noun (plural stems)
Definition:
1. main axis of plant: the main stalk of a plant that bears buds and shoots
2. secondary plant branch: a secondary stalk of a plant, bearing a leaf, bud, or flower
3. narrow connecting part: a long slim part of an object, e.g. the part that connects the
base of a wine glass to its bowl, or the hollow tube on a smoker's pipe
4. cylindrical watch part: a short rod, usually with an expanded crown at the end of it,
that is used in winding a watch
5. genealogical line: the major line of descent in a family tree
6. grammar base of word: the base of a word, to which affixes are added
7. pharmacology
Same as INN
stem
8. printing vertical letter part: an upright stroke, especially the main one, in a letter or
character
9. music vertical part of music note: the vertical part that extends from the head of a
written musical note
10. nautical upright bow timber: the main upright timber at the bow of a ship
verb (3rd person present singular stems, present
participle stemming, past and past participle stemmed)
Definition:
1. intransitive verb originate: to derive, originate, or be caused by something
This behaviour stems from some trauma in his childhood.
2. transitive verb remove stem of something: to take off the stem or part of the stem from
something, especially a flower, fruit, or vegetable
3. transitive verb nautical advance against tide or wind: to make headway sailing against a
tide or wind
[ Old English stefn< Indo-European, 'to stand']
stemless adjective
stemmed adjective
stemmer noun
from stem to stern through the whole of a place, especially a ship