stem
UK: stɛm | US: stɛm
n. the main trunk or stalk of a plant
n. the slender part of a tool, glass, or pipe
vt. to stop or restrict the flow of something (e.g., bleeding, progress)
vi. to originate or arise from a source
The word "stem" traces back to Old English stemn or stefn, meaning "tree trunk" or "ship's prow," derived from Proto-Germanic stamniz. Its core idea of "central supporting structure" expanded metaphorically to tools, pipes, and abstract concepts like "originating from" (e.g., "stem from"). The verb sense ("to stop flow") emerged in the 14th century, likely from the notion of blocking a channel at its source.
The rose’s stem was covered in thorns.
She held the wine glass by its delicate stem.
The government introduced measures to stem inflation.
His fear of failure stems from childhood experiences.
Scientists traced the virus to stem from animal hosts.