Definition of Stem

Stem

Alt. of Steem

The principal body of a tree, shrub, or plant, of any kind; the main stock; the part which supports the branches or the head or top.

A little branch which connects a fruit, flower, or leaf with a main branch; a peduncle, pedicel, or petiole; as, the stem of an apple or a cherry.

The stock of a family; a race or generation of progenitors.

A branch of a family.

A curved piece of timber to which the two sides of a ship are united at the fore end. The lower end of it is scarfed to the keel, and the bowsprit rests upon its upper end. Hence, the forward part of a vessel; the bow.

Fig.: An advanced or leading position; the lookout.

Anything resembling a stem or stalk; as, the stem of a tobacco pipe; the stem of a watch case, or that part to which the ring, by which it is suspended, is attached.

That part of a plant which bears leaves, or rudiments of leaves, whether rising above ground or wholly subterranean.

The entire central axis of a feather.

The basal portion of the body of one of the Pennatulacea, or of a gorgonian.

The short perpendicular line added to the body of a note; the tail of a crotchet, quaver, semiquaver, etc.

The part of an inflected word which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) throughout a given inflection; theme; base.

To remove the stem or stems from; as, to stem cherries; to remove the stem and its appendages (ribs and veins) from; as, to stem tobacco leaves.

To ram, as clay, into a blasting hole.

To oppose or cut with, or as with, the stem of a vessel; to resist, or make progress against; to stop or check the flow of, as a current.

To move forward against an obstacle, as a vessel against a current.

Related Definitions:

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Stem Quotations

Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.
Plato

Many of the insights of the saint stem from their experience as sinners.
Eric Hoffer

With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.
Henri Matisse

Love thou the rose, yet leave it on its stem.
Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.
Milan Kundera

I support stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research.
Bob Ehrlich

We can continue to make significant strides in the scientific community by exploring new stem cell research methods that do not include destroying human embryos.
John Boehner

Stem cell research must be carried out in an ethical manner in a way that respects the sanctity of human life.
John Boehner

Bush reiterated his stand to conservatives opposing his decision on stem cell research. He said today he believes life begins at conception and ends at execution.
Jay Leno

In a prime-time address, President Bush said he backed limited federal funding for stem cell research. That's right, the President said, this is a quote, the research could help cure brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and whatever it is I have.
Conan O'Brien