n. 1. a. A stem or main axis of a herbaceous plant. b. A stem or similar structure that supports a plant part such as a flower, flower cluster, or leaf. 2. A slender or elongated support or structure, as one that holds up an organ or another body part. [Middle English, probably diminutive of stale, upright of a ladder, post, handle, from Old English stalu; see stel- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] stalky adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.