stem

/ˈstem/

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

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

verb

  1. to make headway against (something, such as an adverse tide, current, or wind)

  2. to check or go counter to (something adverse)

verb

  1. to remove the stem from

  2. to make a stem for (something, such as an artificial flower)

  3. to occur or develop as a consequence : have or trace an origin

spring arise rise originate derive flow issue emanate proceed stem mean to come up or out of something into existence. spring implies rapid or sudden emerging. arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.