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| stem [ stem ] |
noun (plural stems) |
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1. main axis of plant: the main stalk of a plant that bears buds and shoots
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2. secondary plant branch: a secondary stalk of a plant, bearing a leaf, bud, or flower
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3. narrow connecting part: a long slim part of an object, e.g. the part that connects the base of a wine glass to its bowl, or the hollow tube on a smoker's pipe
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4. cylindrical watch part: a short rod, usually with an expanded crown at the end of it, that is used in winding a watch
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5. genealogical line: the major line of descent in a family tree
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6. grammar base of word: the base of a word, to which affixes are added
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7. pharmacology
Same as INN stem
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8. printing vertical letter part: an upright stroke, especially the main one, in a letter or character
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9. music vertical part of music note: the vertical part that extends from the head of a written musical note
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10. nautical upright bow timber: the main upright timber at the bow of a ship
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verb (past and past participle stemmed, present participle stem·ming, 3rd person present singular stems) |
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| Definition: |
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1. intransitive verb originate: to derive, originate, or be caused by something
  This behavior stems from some trauma in his childhood.
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2. transitive verb remove stem of something: to take off the stem or part of the stem from something, especially a flower, fruit, or vegetable
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3. transitive verb nautical advance against tide or wind: to make headway sailing against a tide or wind
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| [ Old English stefn< Indo-European, "to stand"] |
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| stem·less adjective |
| stemmed adjective |
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from stem to stern through the whole of a place, especially a ship
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