stroma
Americannoun
plural
stromata-
Cell Biology. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.
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Anatomy. the supporting framework, usually of connective tissue, of an organ, as distinguished from the parenchyma.
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Mycology. (in certainfungi ) a compact mass of tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.
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Botany. the matrix of a chloroplast containing various molecules and ions.
noun
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the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells
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the fibrous connective tissue forming the matrix of the mammalian ovary and testis
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a dense mass of hyphae that is produced by certain fungi and gives rise to spore-producing bodies
Other Word Forms
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)
Vocabulary lists containing stroma
Photosynthesis - Middle School
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Photosynthesis - High School
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Plants (Botany) - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 and inner folds called cristae; chloroplast contains accessory pigments in thylakoids, which form grana and a stroma.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
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
The rest of the fluid outside of this is called stroma.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018
Towards the end of the year, shortly stipitate spores appear on their stroma, which do not fall off.
From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
