stalk
1[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /
noun
the stem or main axis of a plant.
any slender supporting or connecting part of a plant, as the petiole of a leaf, the peduncle of a flower, or the funicle of an ovule.
a similar structural part of an animal.
a stem, shaft, or slender supporting part of anything.
Automotive. a slender lever, usually mounted on or near the steering wheel, that is used by the driver to control a signal or function: The horn button is on the turn-signal stalk.
Nearby words
stalinism, stalinist, stalino, stalinogrod, stalinsk, stalk, stalk-eyed, stalked, stalked puffball, stalker, stalking
Origin of stalk
11275–1325; Middle English stalke, apparently equivalent to Old English stal(u) stave + -k diminutive suffix
Related forms
stalk·like, adjectiveDefinition for stalk (2 of 2)
stalk
2[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
an act or course of stalking quarry, prey, or the like: We shot the mountain goat after a five-hour stalk.
a slow, stiff stride or gait.
Origin of stalk
21250–1300; Middle English stalken (v.), representing the base of Old English bestealcian to move stealthily, stealcung stalking (gerund); akin to steal
Related forms
stalk·a·ble, adjectivestalk·er, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for stalk
British Dictionary definitions for stalk (1 of 2)
stalk
1/ (stɔːk) /
noun
the main stem of a herbaceous plant
any of various subsidiary plant stems, such as a leafstalk (petiole) or flower stalk (peduncle)
a slender supporting structure in animals such as crinoids and certain protozoans, coelenterates, and barnacles
any long slender supporting shaft or column
Derived Forms
stalked, adjectivestalkless, adjectivestalklike, adjectiveWord Origin for stalk
C14: probably a diminutive formed from Old English stalu upright piece of wood; related to Old Frisian staal handle
British Dictionary definitions for stalk (2 of 2)
stalk
2/ (stɔːk) /
verb
noun
the act of stalking
a stiff or threatening stride
Derived Forms
stalker, nounWord Origin for stalk
Old English bestealcian to walk stealthily; related to Middle Low German stolkeren, Danish stalke
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for stalk
stalk
[ stôk ]
n.
A slender or elongated support or structure, as one that connects or supports an organ.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for stalk
stalk
[ stôk ]
The main stem of a plant.
A slender structure that supports a plant part, such as a flower or leaf.
A slender supporting structure in certain other organisms, such as the reproductive structure in plasmodial slime molds or the part of a mushroom below the cap.
A slender supporting or connecting part of an animal, such as the eyestalk of a lobster.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.