noun the main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean
verb to stop or restrict (the flow of a liquid)
In linguistics, a stem is the base or root form of a word to which affixes can be added to create different forms.
In medicine, stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body.
In engineering, a stem is a vertical structural component that supports weight in a building or other structure.
In botany, a stem is the main body of a plant, providing support and transportation of nutrients.
In STEM education, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, representing key academic disciplines.
In the field of writing, 'stem' can refer to the main part of a word that carries the primary meaning and can be modified by affixes.
Psychologists may use 'stem' when discussing the stem-and-leaf plot method for organizing and displaying data in statistics.
Biologists may refer to the stem of a plant as the main structure that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Engineers may use 'stem' to describe the main structural component of a machine or device.