26984 words

stem

13 definitions • 9 examples
1
a central part of something from which other parts can develop or grow, or which forms a support
2
the stick-like central part of a plant that grows above the ground and from which leaves and flowers grow, or a smaller thin part that grows from the central part and supports the leaves and flowers:

Examples:

flower stems
3
the thin vertical part of a glass or similar container that joins the part that holds liquid to the flat bottom part on which it stands:

Examples:

Champagne glasses usually have long stems.
4
the part of a word that is left after you take off the ending:

Examples:

From the stem "sav-" you get "saves", "saved", "saving", and "saver".
5
the small part on the side of a watch that you turn to move the hands (= parts that point to the numbers), or to make the watch operate
6
the main supporting structure at the front of a ship
7
to stop something unwanted from spreading or increasing:

Examples:

These measures are designed to stem the rise of violent crime.
We must take action to stem the tide of resignations.
8
to stop the flow of a liquid such as blood:

Examples:

She tied a handkerchief around the wound to stem the flow of blood.
9
abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (as subjects of study):

Examples:

We work with schools and colleges to help educators inspire students in STEM.
We want to see more girls and women studying STEM subjects.
10
a central part of something from which other parts can develop or grow, or which forms a support
11
The stem of a plant is the straight part that grows above the ground and from which leaves and flowers grow.
12
The stem of a glass is the narrow, vertical part that supports the container into which you put liquid.
13
to stop something unwanted from spreading or increasing:

Examples:

The bank tried to stem the currency’s recent decline against the dollar.

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