stroma

[ stroh-muh ]

noun,plural stro·ma·ta [stroh-muh-tuh]. /ˈstroʊ mə tə/.
  1. Cell Biology. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.

  2. Anatomy. the supporting framework, usually of connective tissue, of an organ, as distinguished from the parenchyma.

  1. Mycology. (in certain fungi) a compact mass of tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.

  2. Botany. the matrix of a chloroplast containing various molecules and ions.

Origin of stroma

1
First recorded in 1825–35; from Late Latin strōma “mattress,” from Greek strôma “bed-covering”; akin to Latin sternere “to spread, strew, ” strātum (see stratum)

Other words from stroma

  • stro·mat·ic [stroh-mat-ik], /stroʊˈmæt ɪk/, stro·mal, stro·ma·tous, adjective

Words Nearby stroma

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How to use stroma in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for stroma

stroma

/ (ˈstrəʊmə) /


nounplural -mata (-mətə) biology
  1. the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells

  2. the fibrous connective tissue forming the matrix of the mammalian ovary and testis

  1. a dense mass of hyphae that is produced by certain fungi and gives rise to spore-producing bodies

Origin of stroma

1
C19: via New Latin from Late Latin: a mattress, from Greek; related to Latin sternere to strew

Derived forms of stroma

  • stromatic (strəʊˈmætɪk) or stromatous, adjective

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