stems >> stɛm
Definition: [noun] the main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean.
Definition: [noun] a long, thin supportive or main section of something.
Example: the main stem of the wing feathers
Definition: [noun] the root or main part of a word, to which inflections or formative elements are added.
Definition: [noun] the main upright timber or metal piece at the bow of a ship, to which the ship's sides are joined at the front end.
Example: the spines and bow stems of abandoned hulks
Definition: [noun] a pipe used for smoking crack or opium.
Definition: [verb] originate in or be caused by.
Example: many of the universities' problems stem from rapid expansion
Definition: [verb] remove the stems from (fruit or tobacco leaves).
Example: her aunt and her mother were stemming currants on the side porch
Definition: [verb] (of a boat) make headway against (the tide or current).
Example: if the wind will only freshen a little, we shall be able to stem the first of the flood