corm

noun

ˈkȯrm 

: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure compare bulb, tuber

Examples of corm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gladiolus can be left in the garden through winter in Zones 8–11, but gladiolus corms need to be overwintered indoors in colder areas. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025

While these flowers actually grow from corms rather than bulbs, they are planted and grow similarly to other spring bulbs. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

Once the plant matures, Gerson plans to multiply her investment through stem cuttings and corm farming. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Leaves wither fast after flowers form on 18-inch stalks in spring or summer, and, at that point, watering should cease or the corms will rot. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin cormus, borrowed from Greek kormós "tree trunk after removal of the boughs," from kor-, o-grade derivative from the base of keírein "to cut off, shave" + -mos, resultative noun suffix — more at shear entry 1

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corm

• dorm
• form
• forme
• norm
• storm
• swarm
• warm
• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm

Kids Definition

corm

noun

ˈkȯrm 

: a solid underground part of a stem (as of the crocus) that is shaped like a bulb compare bulb sense 1a, tuber sense 1

Medical Definition

corm

noun

ˈkȯ(ə)rm 

: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure