definition of
stem

[1] #1 stem n. [root, root word, base, theme, radical] (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed; "thematic vowels are part of the stem". wn

[2] #2 stem v. grow out of, have roots in, originate in; "The increase in the national debt stems from the last war". wn

[3] #3 stem n. [stalk] a slender or elongated structure that supports a plant or fungus or a plant part or plant organ. wn

[4] #4 stem n. [shank] cylinder forming a long narrow part of something. wn

[5] #5 stem v. cause to point inward; "stem your skis". wn