noun / verb
stem
STEM/stem/
The central supporting stalk of a plant.
The sunflower’s green stem supports its leaves and flower.
Etymology
Old English stemn named the trunk that rises from the ground and supports branches. The plant-stalk sense carries the same idea of a main supporting body on a smaller scale.
In context
Because remember the tomato stem has totipotency or the ability to produce the roots around the entire main stem. So when you bury this in soil, boom. I have another heirloom Costoluto Genovese plant
More examples
- Cut the rose’s stem at an angle before putting it in water.
- These tomato plants have thick stems that bend without breaking.
- Wash and stem the strawberries before slicing them.
Forms
stem · stems · stemmed · stemming
stemless adjective — Having no stalk or supporting stem.