1. noun /stɛm/
a) The above-ground stalk (technically axis) of a vascular plant, and certain anatomically similar, below-ground organs such as rhizomes, bulbs, tubers, and corms.
b) A slender supporting member of an individual part of a plant such as a flower or a leaf; also, by analogue the shaft of a feather.
2. verb /stɛm/
a) To take out the stem from.
The current crisis stems from the short-sighted politics of the previous government.
b) To be caused or derived; to originate.
As when two warlike Brigandines at sea, / With murdrous weapons armd to cruell fight, / Doe meete together on the watry lea, / They stemme ech other with so fell despight, / That with the shocke of their owne heedlesse might, / Their wooden ribs are shaken nigh a sonder [...].
Wikipedia foundation.