Meaning & use

stem

noun·Everyday

The main upward-growing stalk of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruit.

See it in a sentence

She trimmed the stem of the rose before placing it in the vase.

The plant's stem bent under the weight of the ripening fruit.

A note on using this word

As a verb, 'stem from' means to originate from, while 'stem' alone can mean to stop or hold back a flow, as in stemming the bleeding.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To stop or hold back the flow or spread of something.

Doctors worked quickly to stem the bleeding from the wound.

3. verb

To originate or arise from a particular cause or source.

Her fear of dogs stems from a bad experience as a child.

Make it your own

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