Definition of stem

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stem¹    (stm) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. The main ascending axis of a plant; a stalk or trunk.
   2. A slender stalk supporting or connecting another plant part, such as a leaf or flower.
2. A banana stalk bearing several bunches of bananas.
3. A connecting or supporting part, especially:
   1. The tube of a tobacco pipe.
   2. The slender upright support of a wineglass or goblet.
   3. The small projecting shaft with an expanded crown by which a watch is wound.
   4. The rounded rod in the center of certain locks about which the key fits and is turned.
   5. The shaft of a feather or hair.
   6. The upright stroke of a typeface or letter.
   7. Music The vertical line extending from the head of a note.
4. The main line of descent of a family.
5. Linguistics The main part of a word to which affixes are added.
6. Nautical The curved upright beam at the fore of a vessel into which the hull timbers are scarfed to form the prow.
7. The tubular glass structure mounting the filament or electrodes in an incandescent bulb or vacuum tube.

VERB:
stemmed, stem·ming, stems
VERB:
intr.

To have or take origin or descent.

VERB:
tr.

1. To remove the stem of.
2. To provide with a stem.
3. To make headway against: managed to stem the rebellion.

IDIOM:
from stem to stern

From one end to another.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn; see st- in Indo-European roots

SYNONYMS:
stem¹, arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring

These verbs mean to come forth or come into being: customs that stem from the past; misery that arose from war; rights that derive from citizenship; disapproval that emanated from the teacher; happiness that flows from their friendship; prejudice that issues from fear; a proposal that originated in the Congress; a mistake that proceeded from carelessness; rebellion that rises in the provinces; new industries that spring up.