stoma
noun
sto·ma
| \ ˈstō-mə
\
\
plural stomata\ ˈstō-mə-tə
\
also stomas
\
also stomas
Definition of stoma
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
As Swann notes, the gas exchange from each stoma — and indeed from each leaf — is, on its own, tiny. — Quanta Magazine, "Forests Emerge as a Major Overlooked Climate Factor," 9 Oct. 2018 In layman’s terms, stomata are tiny openings on leaves’ surfaces that let in CO2 but expel oxygen and water. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Smithsonian Scientists Need Ginkgo Leaves to Study Climate Change—They Need Your Help," 6 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stoma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for stoma
stoma
noun
sto·ma
| \ ˈstō-mə
\
\
plural stomas
Medical Definition of stoma
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