stoma

noun

sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomata ˈstō-mə-tə How to pronounce stoma (audio) also stomas
1
: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2
: one of the minute openings in the epidermis of a plant organ (such as a leaf) through which gaseous interchange takes place
also : the opening with its associated cellular structures
3
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures

Examples of stoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In reality, this can seriously damage houseplants by clogging the stomata in their leaf tissue. Lauren David, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024 The stomata then opens up—usually at nighttime when temperatures cool—which regulates the plant’s temperature and reduces overall water loss. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2023 Plants have small pore-like openings called stomata, which help regulate the amount and distribution of water that’s absorbed. Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2023 During the photosynthesis shutdown, scientists say that the hottest portions of a tree will have their water-carrying stomata closed off, which kills them. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 24 Aug. 2023 Brayden's colon removal left him with a stoma, or an opening in the abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave the body. NBC News, 13 Jan. 2022 Surgeons create an opening called a stoma in the abdomen, and an external pouch does the waste collection. Rebecca Joy Stanborough, SELF, 7 Jan. 2022 During the ostomy surgery, doctors created an opening, referred to as a stoma, on the right side of her abdomen. Colleen Murphy, Health.com, 29 Nov. 2021 The stoma was covered by a containment device for the urine, known as a pouch. Colleen Murphy, Health.com, 29 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stoma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek stomat-, stoma mouth

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stoma was circa 1684

Dictionary Entries Near stoma

Cite this Entry

“Stoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stoma

noun
sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomata -mət-ə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
: a small opening which is surrounded by two guard cells and through which moisture and gases pass in and out of the epidermis of a leaf

Medical Definition

stoma

noun
sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomas
1
: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures
a colostomy stoma

More from Merriam-Webster on stoma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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