sto·ma (st  m )n. pl. sto·ma·ta (-m -t) or sto·mas 1. Botany One of the minute pores in the epidermis of a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor pass. Also called stomate. 2. Anatomy A small aperture in the surface of a membrane. 3. A surgically constructed opening, especially one in the abdominal wall that permits the passage of waste after a colostomy or ileostomy. 4. Zoology A mouthlike opening, such as the oral cavity of a nematode. [New Latin, from Greek, mouth.] sto mal, stoma·tal adj. |
stoma [ˈstəʊmə]
n pl stomata [ˈstəʊmətə ˈstɒm- stəʊˈmɑːtə]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) Botany an epidermal pore, present in large numbers in plant leaves, that controls the passage of gases into and out of a plant
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Zoology anatomy a mouth or mouthlike part
| stoma (stm) Plural stomata (st m-t) 1. Botany One of the tiny openings in the epidermis of a plant, through which gases and water vapor pass. Stomata permit the absorption of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis from the air, as well as the removal of excess oxygen. Stomata occur on all living plant parts that have contact with the air; they are especially abundant on leaves. A single leaf may have many thousands of stomata. Each stoma is generally between 10 to 30 microns in length and is surrounded by a pair of crescent-shaped cells, called guard cells. The guard cells can change shape and close the stoma in order to prevent the loss of water vapor. See Note at transpiration. 2. Zoology A mouthlike opening, such as the oral cavity of a nematode. 3. Medicine A temporary or permanent opening in a body surface, especially the abdomen or throat, that is created by a surgical procedure, such as a colostomy or tracheostomy. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  stoma - a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor can passaperture - a natural opening in something germ pore - a pore in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain through which the germ tube or pollen tube makes its exit on germination hydathode, water pore, water stoma - a pore that exudes water on the surface or margin of a leaf of higher plants lenticel - one of many raised pores on the stems of woody plants that allow the interchange of gas between the atmosphere and the interior tissue |
| 2. | stoma - a mouth or mouthlike opening (especially one created by surgery on the surface of the body to create an opening to an internal organ) colostomy - a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus tracheostomy, tracheotomy - a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes orifice, porta, opening - an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity; "the orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart" surgery - the branch of medical science that treats disease or injury by operative procedures; "he is professor of surgery at the Harvard Medical School" |
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