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. 2019 Other stomas can be located on the abdomen for waste removal. — Stephanie Innes, azcentral, "What's next for Hacienda HealthCare after '6 to 12' maggots found on patient?," 17 June 2019 But with billions of stomata acting in concert, a single tree can evaporate hundreds of liters of water per day — enough to fill several bathtubs. — Quanta Magazine, "Forests Emerge as a Major Overlooked Climate Factor," 9 Oct. 2018 Colostomy patients currently have no control over their waste functions and must wear bags over their stomas that must be emptied multiple times a day. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Bluetooth-operated bionic sphincter controller close to human trial phase," 9 Apr. 2018 At that point, the radiance of the sun can be exploited for sugar-making while the succulent’s stomata stay safely shut. — Natalie Angier, New York Times, "As Rains Ease in the West, Cactuses Shine Brighter Than Ever," 24 Apr. 2017These 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