stroma

[ stroh-muh ]

/ ˈstroʊ mə /

noun, plural stro·ma·ta [stroh-muh-tuh] /ˈstroʊ mə tə/.

Cell Biology. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.

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

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

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

Nearby words

stroke play, stroke volume, stroke work index, stroll, stroller, stroma, stromateid, stromateoid, stromatolite, stromboli, strombolian

Origin of stroma

1825–35; < Late Latin strōma mattress < Greek strôma bed-covering; akin to Latin sternere to spread, strew, strātum (see stratum)

Related forms

stro·mat·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for stroma

Towards the end of the year, shortly stipitate spores appear on their stroma, which do not fall off.
Fungi: Their Nature and Uses|Mordecai Cubitt Cooke
Perithecia carbonous, forming several stratose layers, imbedded in the stroma in the depressions.
Synopsis of Some Genera of the Large Pyrenomycetes|C. G. Lloyd
A perithecium, or cell excavated in the stroma which fulfils the functions of a perithecium, is always present.
Fungi: Their Nature and Uses|Mordecai Cubitt Cooke
The stroma ingrowths form the most important feature of the stage.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour

The mucous and colloid cancers are those whose alveolar contents or stroma have undergone a mucous or colloid degeneration.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various

British Dictionary definitions for stroma

stroma

/ (ˈstrəʊmə) /

noun plural -mata (-mətə) biology

the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells

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

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

Derived Forms

stromatic (strəʊˈmætɪk) or stromatous, adjective

Word Origin for stroma

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

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

Medicine definitions for stroma

stroma

[ strō′mə ]

n. pl. stro•ma•ta (-mə-tə)

The connective tissue framework of an organ, a gland, or other structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part.

The spongy and colorless framework of a cell.

Related forms

stro′mal adj.stro•mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj.