plural n-stems
linguistics
: any of a group of Indo-European stem formatives that consist of an n with vowel determined by ablaut or that contain an n as the final element (such as the neuter abstract noun suffix *-mn̥-, in the genitive case *-men-s)

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of n-stem was in 1886

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near n-stem

Cite this Entry

“N-stem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/n-stem. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!