Real Dictionary

stem in American English 1
the main upward-growing axis of a plant, having nodes and bearing leaves, usually extending in a direction opposite to that of the root and above the ground, and serving to support the plant and to transport and store food materials; specif., the main sta
to remove the stem or stems from (a fruit, etc.)
intransitive verb: to arise or originate
noun: the ascending axis of a plant, whether above or below ground, which ordinarily grows in an opposite direction to the root or descending axis
transitive verb: to remove the stem from (a leaf, fruit, etc.)

stem in American English 2
an act or manner of stemming on skis
to stop or check; esp., to dam up (a river, etc.), or to stop or check as if by damming up
to stop or slow down in skiing by turning one ski (single stemming) or both skis ( double stemming) with the heel thrust outward and the tip of the ski(s) turned in
intransitive verb: to execute a stem
noun: the act or instance of a skier pushing the heel of one or both skis outward so that the heels are far apart, as in making certain turns or slowing down
transitive verb: to stop, check, or restrain

stem in American English 3
transitive verb: to make headway against (a tide, current, gale, etc.)

stem in American English 4
noun: an upright into which the side timbers or plates are jointed

stem in American English 5
transitive verb: to arrange the loading of (a merchant vessel) within a specified time

Stem in British English
acronym for: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
noun

stem in British English 1
noun: the main axis of a plant, which bears the leaves, axillary buds, and flowers and contains a hollow cylinder of vascular tissue
verb: to be derived; originate

stem in British English 2
noun: a technique in which the heel of one ski or both skis is forced outwards from the direction of movement in order to slow down or turn
verb: to restrain or stop (the flow of something) by or as if by damming up