stem

The word “stem” means the main stalk of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruit. In plain terms, most often the stalk of a plant, but also used for anything shaped like one, and — as a verb — for stopping something from spreading.

“Stem” is pronounced stehm (/stɛm/ in IPA).

Here is “stem” used in a sentence: “She trimmed the stems before putting the roses in a vase.”

Depending on how it is used, “stem” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “stem” comes from Old English. From Old English stemn, "stem, trunk," from a Germanic root meaning "to stand" — the same deep root that gives us "stand" and "stamen.".

“Stem” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Stem” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main stalk of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruit.

A stem is the main supporting structure of a plant that holds up its leaves, flowers, or fruit. A stalk often refers to the stem of a single leaf, flower, or fruit, or to a tall, thick stem, so all stalks are stems but not every stem is called a stalk.

A stem supports the leaves, flowers, and fruit of a plant and is usually relatively slender and often soft or green. A trunk is the thick, woody main stem of a tree, so 'trunk' is generally reserved for large, woody plants.