Stem
/stɛm/noun
The main supporting stalk of a plant, or the central part of something from which other parts grow.
Did you know?English *stem* comes from a Germanic root meaning “trunk, stem, support,” ultimately tied to the idea of something that stands firm rather than bending or flowing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sta-
“to stand, make firm, set”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*stamnaz
“tree trunk, stem”
Old English
OE
stemn, stem
“stem, trunk, stalk”
Middle English
ME
stem
“stem, stalk, trunk”
Modern English
English
stem
“the main supporting stalk or central part of something”