plural stomata
ˈstō-mə-tə 
also stomas
also stomas
1
: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2
: one of the minute openings in the epidermis of a plant organ (such as a leaf) through which gaseous interchange takes place
also
: the opening with its associated cellular structures
3
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures
Examples of stoma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Carbon enters the leaves through microscopic holes on their undersides called stomata.
—
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
How Plants Breathe Plants have pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata.
—Delphine Farmer, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
How plants breathe Plants have pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata.
—Mj Riches, The Conversation, 30 July 2024
An obstruction in the stoma can cause colicky pain and cramping.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Some flower species have stomata on their petals, which Sevanto says would be an easy route for releasing water.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2024
For those with an ostomy, for example, stylish stoma pouch covers and support belts, or specialized lingerie, such as high-waisted crotchless panties, can make intimacy more comfortable.
—Claire Sibonney, TIME, 4 June 2024
To perform photosynthesis, leaves need access to carbon dioxide, which enters through tiny pores called stomata on a leaf’s surface.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2024
In reality, this can seriously damage houseplants by clogging the stomata in their leaf tissue.
—Lauren David, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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about these examples.
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
How Plants Breathe Plants have pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata.
—Delphine Farmer, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
How plants breathe Plants have pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata.
—Mj Riches, The Conversation, 30 July 2024
An obstruction in the stoma can cause colicky pain and cramping.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Some flower species have stomata on their petals, which Sevanto says would be an easy route for releasing water.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2024
For those with an ostomy, for example, stylish stoma pouch covers and support belts, or specialized lingerie, such as high-waisted crotchless panties, can make intimacy more comfortable.
—Claire Sibonney, TIME, 4 June 2024
To perform photosynthesis, leaves need access to carbon dioxide, which enters through tiny pores called stomata on a leaf’s surface.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2024
In reality, this can seriously damage houseplants by clogging the stomata in their leaf tissue.
—Lauren David, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near stoma
Cite this Entry
“Stoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoma. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
stoma
noun
sto·ma
ˈstō-mə
plural stomas
1
: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures
a colostomy stoma
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