stoma

noun

sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomata ˈstō-mə-tə How to pronounce stoma (audio) also stomas
1
: one of the minute openings in the epidermis of a plant organ (such as a leaf) through which gaseous interchange takes place
also : the opening with its associated cellular structures
2
: a small simple opening in or on the body of an animal
3
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures

Examples of stoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In heat, stomata tend to open to release water, essentially sweating. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026 When applied perfectly, the stoma emptied directly into the bag and didn’t leak. — Joe Manganiello, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 After one treatment, Kang went to the emergency room when her colostomy stoma retracted, and a scan reportedly showed that the tumor had shrunk substantially. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 After being fitted with a stoma bag and diagnosed with two blood clots four weeks after the health scare, Felicity-Jo finally took her first steps in almost a month. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stoma

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek stomat-, stoma mouth

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of stoma was circa 1684

Rhymes for stoma

See All Rhymes for stoma

Browse Nearby Words

stom-
stoma
stomach
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoma. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stoma

noun
sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomata -mət-ə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
: a small opening which is surrounded by two guard cells and through which moisture and gases pass in and out of the epidermis of a leaf

Medical Definition

stoma

noun
sto·​ma ˈstō-mə How to pronounce stoma (audio)
plural stomas
1
: any of various small simple bodily openings especially in a lower animal
2
: an artificial permanent opening especially in the abdominal wall made in surgical procedures
a colostomy stoma

More from Merriam-Webster on stoma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stoma

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