Stem — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation /ˈstem/

Meaning & Definition of Stem

Stem (noun)

  1. the main trunk of a plant; specifically, a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots
  2. a plant part (such as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (such as a leaf or fruit)
  3. the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas
  4. check, dam
  5. an act or instance of stemming on skis

Stem (verb)

  1. to make headway against (something, such as an adverse tide, current, or wind)
  2. to check or go counter to (something adverse)
  3. to remove the stem from
  4. to make a stem for (something, such as an artificial flower)
  5. to occur or develop as a consequence, have or trace an origin
  6. to stop or dam up (something, such as a river)
  7. to stop or check by or as if by damming; especially, stanch
  8. to turn (a ski) in stemming

Stem (abbreviation)

  1. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Stem (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to stop the progress or spread of (something)

    "efforts to stem the dramatic decline of an endangered species"

    similar: block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, break, break off, break up, can (slang), cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, shut off, stop, complete, conclude, finish, close (down), deactivate, call, suspend, arrest, brake, check, clamp down, rein (in), squash, squelch, stamp, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back, pause, stay, abolish, abort, annul, demolish, destroy, dissolve, kill, ruin, scuttle, snuff
    opposite: carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed, progress, actuate, drive, impel, propel, stir

Related Entry: From stem to stern (phrase)

From stem to stern is a different word from Stem. The synonyms below are for from stem to stern, not for stem.

  1. with attention to all aspects or details

    "They inspected the new house from stem to stern before moving in."

    similar: completely, comprehensively, detailedly, exhaustively, fully, inside out, minutely, roundly, sweepingly, systematically, thoroughly, through and through, totally, at length, from the ground up, in detail
    related: meticulously, microscopically, all-out, full blast, intensively, broadly, encyclopedically, extensively, generally, globally, widely, conclusively, consummately, definitely, perfectly
    near: aimlessly, desultorily, haphazardly, hit-or-miss, randomly, cursorily, imperfectly, inadequately, narrowly, shallowly, sketchily, summarily, superficially, indeterminately, nebulously, vaguely

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Stem

The most common words with a similar meaning to Stem:

Slang: can
block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, kibosh, obstruct, break, break off, break up, cease, cut off, cut out, desist (from), discontinue, drop, end, give over, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, pack (up or in), quit, shut off, stop, complete, conclude, finish, close (down), deactivate, call, suspend, arrest, brake, check

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Stem

Words with the opposite meaning of Stem:

carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed, progress, actuate, drive, impel, propel, stir

Word Forms of Stem

Inflections: stems, stemmed, stemming

Derived words: stemlike (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Stem

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 stand

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Stem

Words & Phrases Containing Stem

stem cell, stem christie, stem rust, stem turn

Frequently Asked Questions about Stem

What does "Stem" mean?

"Stem" means the main trunk of a plant; specifically, a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots. As an a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: the main trunk of a plant; specifically, a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots.

What is another word for "Stem"?

Other words for "Stem" include block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold and hold back. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Stem" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Stem"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Stem". Common alternatives include block, blockade, dam, delay, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede and kibosh.

What is the opposite of "Stem"?

Antonyms of "Stem" include carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep up, run on, advance, proceed and progress.

How do you use "Stem" in a sentence?

Examples of "Stem" in a sentence: "efforts to stem the dramatic decline of an endangered species".

Is "Stem" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Stem" can be used as a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

Is "Stem" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Stem" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Stem"?

"Stem" is pronounced /ˈstem/.