Examples Word Origin
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. Show More
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. 2018
Examples from the Web for stroma Historical Examples of stroma As the disease progresses, the stroma of the iris atrophies and contracts.
The perithecia are arranged in a circle neat the apex of the stroma .
It is formed of a core of stroma and a covering of epithelium.
The stroma is generally scanty and rich in cells, but it may be abundant.
Both are a collection of cells diverse in form, multipolar, and maintained by a conjunctive pellicule (stroma ).
British Dictionary definitions for stroma 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 Show More
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
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Word Origin and History for stroma n. 1832, in anatomy, plural stromae , Modern Latin, from Latin stroma "bed covering," from Greek stroma "anything spread out for lying or sitting on" (see structure (n.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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. Show More
Related forms stro′ mal adj. stro•mat′ ic (-măt′ ĭk ) adj. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
