Main Entry: ¹stem

Pronunciation: \ˈstem\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn stem of a plant or ship; akin to Old High German stam plant stem and probably to Greek stamnos wine jar, histanai to set — more at stand

Date: before 12th century

1 a : the main trunk of a plant; specifically : a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots b : a plant part (as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (as a leaf or fruit) c : the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas
2 a : the main upright member at the bow of a ship b : the bow or prow of a ship — compare stern
3 : a line of ancestry : stock; especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen
4 : the part of an inflected word that remains after the inflected part is removed <strength is the stem of strengths>; also : root 6
5 : something held to resemble a plant stem: as a : a main or heavy stroke of a letter b : the short perpendicular line extending from the head of a musical note c : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a goblet) e : a shaft of a watch used for winding

— from stem to stern : throughout, thoroughly