Pronunciation: [stˈa͡ɪp] (IPA) 
The word "stipe" is spelled using the IPA transcription /staɪp/. The first sound in this word is the "s" sound which is a voiceless alveolar sibilant. The "t" sound is an unvoiced alveolar plosive, followed by the "i" sound, which is pronounced as a long "i" vowel sound. Finally, the "p" sound is an unvoiced bilabial plosive. "Stipe" is commonly used in botany to refer to the stalk of a mushroom or fern frond, among other things.
The term "stipe" primarily refers to a botanic structure found in certain plants, specifically in ferns, fungi, and seaweeds. It can be described as a supporting stalk or stem that serves as a central axis for the attachment and growth of other plant components, such as fronds or sporophylls.
In ferns, the stipe is a key feature, particularly in the leaf-like fronds they produce. It emerges from the underground rhizome and serves as a connection between the rhizome and the frond blade, allowing for the transport of nutrients and water. The stipes of ferns can vary in length, shape, and texture, offering structural stability and aiding in photosynthesis.
For fungi, the stipe represents the characteristic "stalk" of the mushroom, supporting the cap or pileus aloft. It often arises from the mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, serving as a conduit for nutrient uptake and distribution. The size, color, and texture of the stipe can significantly vary across different mushroom species.
In seaweeds or marine algae, the stipe functions as a similar supporting structure, attaching the thallus (body) of the seaweed to the substrate. It provides stability against water movement and enables the seaweed to access light and nutrients required for photosynthesis.
Overall, the stipe can be recognized as an essential anatomical feature in ferns, fungi, and seaweeds, responsible for structural support, nutrient transport, and anchorage.
In bot., the stem of palms and tree-ferns; the stalk of fern-fronds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "stipe" has its etymology rooted in the Latin language. It derives from the Latin word "stipus", which originally referred to a stake or a trunk of a tree. Over time, "stipus" evolved to "stipes", which specifically referred to the trunk or stem of a tree or plant. In English, "stipe" is used in biology to refer to the stalk-like part of various organisms such as fungi, algae, or ferns. Its Latin origins give it the meaning of a supporting structure or a stem.
