Pronunciation: [stˈɛmz] (IPA) 
The word "stems" is spelled with the letter combination "st" and the letter combination "ems". In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is pronounced /stɛmz/. The "st" sounds like /st/ as in "stop", while the following "e" is pronounced /ɛ/ like in "bet". The "m" is pronounced /m/ as in "man", and the "s" at the end is pronounced as /z/ like in "buzz". Thus, the correct spelling of "stems" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Stems, in the context of botany, refer to the above-ground part of a plant that serves as its main support structure. They are typically elongated, cylindrical structures that grow in an upright position. Stems play crucial roles in plants, as they provide mechanical support and enable the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant's various parts.
The main functions of stems include the formation of leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as the storage of nutrients and the conduction of photosynthetic processes. The stem's internal structure consists of different tissues, including vascular tissues responsible for the movement of fluids. These tissues include xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, and phloem, which carries sugars and other organic compounds from the leaves to other plant parts.
Stems vary in size, shape, and texture depending on the plant species. They can be herbaceous, like those found in most flowering plants, with a softer and more flexible texture. Alternatively, stems can be woody, as seen in trees and shrubs, characterized by a harder and more rigid texture due to the presence of secondary growth.
In addition to their functional aspects, stems also contribute to the visual appeal of plants, often serving as an identifying characteristic. They can be adorned with leaves, thorns, or nodes, where other structures like leaves or branches emerge. Overall, stems are an integral part of a plant's structure and function, promoting growth, development, and survival.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word stems has etymological origins in the Old English language. It is derived from the Old English word stefn or stefna, which referred to the stern or prow of a ship. Over time, the term stefn evolved into the Middle English word stem.
