stroma

American  

[stroh-muh] / ˈstroʊ mə /

noun

• stromata
  plural

1. Cell Biology. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.

2. Anatomy. the supporting framework, usually of connective tissue, of an organ, as distinguished from the parenchyma.

3. Mycology. (in certainfungi ) a compact mass of tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.

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

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stroma British  

/ ˈstrəʊmə /

noun

1. the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells

2. the fibrous connective tissue forming the matrix of the mammalian ovary and testis

3. a dense mass of hyphae that is produced by certain fungi and gives rise to spore-producing bodies

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• stromal
  adjective
• stromatic
  adjective
• stromatous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• stromata
  plural

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Etymology

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)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stroma stromata

The researchers examined 24 pancreatic cancer samples and found that the stroma, the connective tissue that supports the tumor, plays an active role in cancer progression rather than serving as a passive structure.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 30, 2026

Differences: mitochondria have inter-membrane space, inner folds called cristae, ATP synthase for ATP synthesis, and DNA; chloroplast contains accessory pigments in thylakoids, which, form grana and a stroma.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Differences: mitochondria have inter-membrane space and inner folds called cristae; chloroplast contains accessory pigments in thylakoids, which form grana and a stroma.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

As the electron passes along these proteins, energy from the electron fuels membrane pumps that actively move hydrogen ions against their concentration gradient from the stroma into the thylakoid space.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

There is no proper excipulum or peridium, and the spores spring direct from a more compacted portion of the mycelium, or from a cushion-like stroma of small cells.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt) Cooke

The same functions of storage in advance of fructification are also exercised by the stromata so common in Ascomycetes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

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