Sto·ma n.; pl. Stomata
1. Anat. One of the minute apertures between the cells in many serous membranes.
2. Bot. (a) The minute breathing pores of leaves or other organs opening into the intercellular spaces, and usually bordered by two contractile cells. (b) The line of dehiscence of the sporangium of a fern. It is usually marked by two transversely elongated cells. See Illust. of Sporangium.
3. Zool. A stigma. See Stigma, n., 6 (a) & (b).
◄ ►
stoma
n 1: a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which
gases and water vapor can pass [syn: stomate, pore]
2: a mouth or mouthlike opening (especially one created by
surgery on the surface of the body to create an opening to
an internal organ)
[also: stomata (pl)]