stroma

[ stroh-muh ]

noun

, plural stro·ma·ta [stroh, -m, uh, -t, uh].

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

stroma

/ ˈstrəʊmə; strəʊˈmætɪk /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• stromatic, adjective

Other Words From

• stro·mat·ic [stroh-, mat, -ik], stro·mal stro·ma·tous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stroma¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Late Latin strōma “mattress,” from Greek strôma “bed-covering”; akin to Latin sternere “to spread, strew, ” strātum ( stratum )

Word History and Origins

Origin of stroma¹

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

Example Sentences

The data also offer a potential explanation for the aberrant glucose regulation reported in metabolically dysfunctional fatty breast tissue of people who are obese, in which the connective tissue, called the stroma, is often stiff7.

From Nature

The surgeon first uses a suction ring to flatten the eye in order to cut a flap in the cornea, folding the flap back to reveal the middle section, called the stroma.

From New York Times

Because those organoids include stroma, a scaffold of connective tissue essential for tumor growth, they may prove better for studying therapies that target the stroma, such as cancer immunotherapy.

From Science Magazine

Control tumours consisted of large, poorly differentiated cells with little cytoplasm, relatively little stroma, and had small areas of central necrosis.

From Nature

These results highlight potential roles for YAP and reactive stroma in EMT-regulated progression of cervical cancers.

From Nature