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, 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.

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Origin of stroma

1825–35; <Late Latin strōma mattress <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/, stromal, stro·ma·tous, adjective

Words nearby stroma

stroke play, stroke volume, stroke work index, stroll, stroller, stroma, stromateid, stromateoid, stromatolite, Stromboli, Strombolian

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

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

Medical 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.

Other words from stroma

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