stroma

[stroh-muh]

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.

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

Historical Examples of stroma

As the disease progresses, the stroma of the iris atrophies and contracts.
Glaucoma
Various
The perithecia are arranged in a circle neat the apex of the stroma.
Synopsis of Some Genera of the Large Pyrenomycetes
C. G. Lloyd
It is formed of a core of stroma and a covering of epithelium.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1
Francis Maitland Balfour
The stroma is generally scanty and rich in cells, but it may be abundant.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
Both are a collection of cells diverse in form, multipolar, and maintained by a conjunctive pellicule (stroma).
The Mind and the Brain
Alfred Binet

British Dictionary definitions for stroma

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

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

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.