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stalk
1[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /
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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.
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Origin of stalk
1First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English stalk(e), apparently equivalent to Old English stal(u) “stave” + -k diminutive suffix; akin to Norwegian dialect stalk, Swedish stjelk, Danish stilk
OTHER WORDS FROM stalk
stalklike, adjectiveWords nearby stalk
Other definitions for stalk (2 of 2)
stalk2
[ 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
2First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb stalken, representing the base of Old English bestealcian “to move stealthily”; akin to steal
OTHER WORDS FROM stalk
stalk·a·ble, adjectivestalker, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use stalk in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for stalk (1 of 2)
stalk1
/ (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 of stalk
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)
stalk2
/ (stɔːk) /
verb
noun
the act of stalking
a stiff or threatening stride
Derived forms of stalk
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical 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.
Scientific 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.