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, stromatic, stromatolite, stromboli

Origin of stroma

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

Related formsstro·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 Formsstromatic (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

Word Origin and History for stroma

stroma

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.)).

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