stoma

sto·ma

noun \ˈstō-mə\

plural sto·ma·ta \-mə-tə\ also stomas

Definition of STOMA

1

: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal

2

: one of the minute openings in the epidermis of a plant organ (as a leaf) through which gaseous interchange takes place; also : the opening with its associated cellular structures

3

: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures

Origin of STOMA

New Latin, from Greek stomat-, stoma mouth

First Known Use: circa 1684

Rhymes with STOMA

chroma, coma, noma, soma, stroma

sto·ma

noun \ˈstō-mə\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; sto·mas

Medical Definition of STOMA

1

: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal

2

: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures <a colostomy stoma>

stoma

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of the microscopic openings or pores in the epidermis of leaves and young stems. They are generally more numerous on the undersides of leaves. They provide for the exchange of gases between the outside air and the interconnecting air canals within the leaf. A stoma opens and closes in response to turgor pressure within its two surrounding guard cells. Because the inner wall of each of these sausage- or bean-shaped cells is thicker than the outer wall, when they fill with water and become turgid they balloon outward, enlarging the stoma. A drop in carbon-dioxide levels to lower than normal also causes the guard cells to become turgid. Guard cells control excessive water loss from the plant, closing on hot, dry, or windy days and opening when conditions are more favorable.

Variants of STOMA

stoma or stomate