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Stem

Main structural part of a plant.

stalk shoot

A stem is the main structural part of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, and buds. It transports water and nutrients between the roots and other parts of the plant.

Etymology

From Middle English steme, from Old French estemme, stemm-, from Latin stipem, stipe-.

Explain Like I’m 5

A stem is like the backbone of a plant, holding it up and connecting its roots to its leaves or flowers.

Fun Facts

Some plants, like bamboo, have thick, woody stems
Stems can store water or food for the plant
Climbing plants use their stems to attach to other structures

FAQ

What is a stem? It's the main support of a plant, like a tree trunk or flower stalk
What does a stem do? It transports water and nutrients between the roots and leaves
Can stems be green? Yes, some stems are green and perform photosynthesis

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

plant part

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

branch trunk stalk

Meronyms — Parts or Components

nodes buds

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

plant

Indexes

biological structure functional part plant component

Related

Built by Tim Jones