stroma

[ stroh-muh ]
/ ˈstroʊ mə /

noun, plural stro·ma·ta [stroh-muh-tuh] /ˈstroʊ mə tə/.

Cell Biology. the supporting framework or matrix of a cell.
Anatomy. the supporting framework, usually of connective tissue, of an organ, as distinguished from the parenchyma.
Mycology. (in certain fungi) a compact, somatic mass of fungous tissue, in or on which the fructifications may be developed.
Botany. the matrix of a chloroplast, containing various molecules and ions.

Origin of stroma

1825–35; < Late Latin strōma mattress < Greek strôma bed-covering; akin to Latin sternere to spread, strew, strātum (see stratum)

OTHER WORDS FROM stroma

stro·mat·ic [stroh-mat-ik] /stroʊˈmæt ɪk/, stro·mal, stro·ma·tous, adjective

Words nearby stroma

stroke play, stroke volume, stroke work index, stroll, stroller, stroma, stromateid, stromateoid, stromatolite, stromboli, strombolian

Example sentences from the Web for stromata

British Dictionary definitions for stromata

stroma
/ (ˈstrəʊmə) /

noun plural -mata (-mətə) biology

the gel-like matrix of chloroplasts and certain cells
the fibrous connective tissue forming the matrix of the mammalian ovary and testis
a dense mass of hyphae that is produced by certain fungi and gives rise to spore-producing bodies

Derived forms of stroma

stromatic (strəʊˈmætɪk) or stromatous, adjective

Word Origin for stroma

C19: via New Latin from Late Latin: a mattress, from Greek; related to Latin sternere to strew

Medical definitions for stromata

stroma
[ strō′mə ]

n. pl. stro•ma•ta (-mə-tə)

The connective tissue framework of an organ, a gland, or other structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part.
The spongy and colorless framework of a cell.

Other words from stroma

stro′mal adj. stro•mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj.