Basic Details
Word: Stem
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The main part of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruit; it can also refer to a long, thin part of an object.
Synonyms: Trunk, stalk, shaft
Antonyms: Root, bottom
Idioms and Phrases
- Can't see the wood for the trees: This means being so involved in the details that you lose sight of the overall situation. Example: "He was so focused on his garden's stems that he couldn't see the wood for the trees!"
- To stem the tide: This means to stop or slow down something that is happening. Example: "The team worked hard to stem the tide of poor results this season."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The stem of the rose held beautiful red petals that filled the garden with fragrance.
Example 2: In science class, we learned how the stem transports water and nutrients from the soil to the leaves.
Example 3: The long stem of the glass made it easy to hold without touching the bowl.
Fun Fact
Did you know that some plants, like bamboo, can grow stems up to 91 cm (about 35 inches) in just one day? This is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world!
Famous Quote
"The tallest trees are rooted in the smallest of places." - J. R. Rim
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "stem" refer to?
a) The root of a plant
b) The main part of a plant that supports its leaves
c) A type of flower
d) A kind of fruit
Answer: b) The main part of a plant that supports its leaves
2. Which of these is a synonym of "stem"?
a) Leaf
b) Trunk
c) Petal
d) Flower
Answer: b) Trunk
3. Which sentence uses "stem" correctly?
a) The stem of the plant is very strong.
b) The stem was running very fast.
c) The stem sings beautifully to the moon.
d) The stem is eating a sandwich.
Answer: a) The stem of the plant is very strong.
4. Which idiom means to stop something that is happening?
a) Can't see the wood for the trees
b) To stem the tide
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) Making a mountain out of a molehill
Answer: b) To stem the tide
5. What is the opposite of "stem" in the context of plants?
a) Leaf
b) Root
c) Flower
d) Fruit
Answer: b) Root
