stroma

[ stroh-muh ]

/ ˈstroʊ mə /

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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 mass of tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.

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

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of stroma

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

stroke hole, stroke oar, stroke play, stroll, stroller, stroma, stromateid, stromateoid, stromatolite, Stromboli, Strombolian

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use stroma in a sentence

While the light reaction takes place in the thylakoid membranes, the ATP and NADPH it produces end up in the stroma.
Explainer: How photosynthesis works|Bethany Brookshire|October 28, 2020|Science News For Students
The stroma ingrowths form the most important feature of the stage.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
The greater part of the germinal epithelium forms anastomosing columns, separated by very thin tracts of stroma.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
These features render the investigation of the exact relation of the stroma and epithelium a matter of some difficulty.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour

It was still sharply separated from the subjacent stroma, though a membrane could only be demonstrated in certain parts.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
In the full-grown female the stroma of the ovarian region is denser and has a more fibrous aspect than in the younger animal.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour

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 of stroma

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