the ascending axis of a plant, whether above or below ground, which ordinarily grows in an opposite direction to the root or descending axis.

the stalk that supports a leaf, flower, or fruit.

the main body of that portion of a tree, shrub, or other plant which is above ground; trunk; stalk.

a cut flower

We bought roses at the flower market for 50? a stem.

a petiole; peduncle; pedicel.

a stalk of bananas.

something resembling or suggesting a leaf or flower stalk.

a long, slender part

the stem of a tobacco pipe.

the slender, vertical part of a goblet, wineglass, etc., between the bowl and the base.

Informal . a drinking glass having a stem.

the handle of a spoon.

a projection from the rim of a watch, having on its end a knob for winding the watch.

the circular rod in some locks about which the key fits and rotates.

the rod or spindle by which a valve is operated from outside.

the stock or line of descent of a family; ancestry or pedigree.

Grammar . the underlying form, often consisting of a root plus an affix, to which the inflectional endings of a word are added, as tend-, the stem in Latin tendere to stretch, the root of which is ten-. Compare base 1 ( def. 18 ) , theme ( def. 5 ) .

Music . the vertical line forming part of a note.

stems, Slang . the legs of a human being.

the main or relatively thick stroke of a letter in printing.

to remove the stem from (a leaf, fruit, etc.)

Stem the cherries before cooking.

to arise or originate

This project stems from last week's lecture.

noun

root

verb

cause , abet , aid , encourage , help

noun

axis , branch , pedicel , pedicle , peduncle , petiole , shoot , stock , trunk , base , root , bine , body , corm , culm , etymon , inflorescence , raceme , rachis , radical , radix , rhizome , rootstock , runner , stalk , stolon , theme , tuber

verb

arise , be bred , be brought about , be caused , be generated , derive , develop , emanate , flow , head , issue , originate , proceed , rise , spring , arrest , bring to a standstill , check , contain , control , curb , dam , hinder , hold back , oppose , resist , restrain , stay , withstand , come , upspring , axis , base , body , branch , breast , cane , counter , deter , halt , impede , pedicel , petiole , prevent , prow , reed , rod , root , shaft , stall , stanch , stock , stolon , stop , trunk , tuber