meristem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “meristem” mean?
A region of plant tissue, found chiefly at the growing tips of roots and shoots, consisting of actively dividing cells forming new tissue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A region of plant tissue, found chiefly at the growing tips of roots and shoots, consisting of actively dividing cells forming new tissue.
In a broader biological context, any localized region of cell division and growth in an organism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage.
Connotations
None beyond the strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “meristem” in a Sentence
The [adj] meristemmeristem of the [plant part]meristem in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meristem” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- meristematic activity
- meristematic cells
American English
- meristematic activity
- meristematic cells
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in botanical, biological, and agricultural research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would not be understood by the general public.
Technical
The primary register. Used by botanists, horticulturists, and plant scientists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meristem”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meristem”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meristem”
- Mispronunciation as /mɛˈrɪs.təm/ (stress on second syllable).
- Misspelling as 'meristim', 'meristam'.
- Confusing it with 'mesophyll' or 'phloem'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in botany and plant biology.
No, it is strictly a botanical term. The analogous concept in animals would be stem cells or rapidly dividing tissues in specific contexts.
The adjective is 'meristematic', as in 'meristematic tissue'.
Yes, the main types are apical (at tips), lateral (in cylinders, like cambium), and intercalary (at the bases of leaves or internodes).
A region of plant tissue, found chiefly at the growing tips of roots and shoots, consisting of actively dividing cells forming new tissue.
Meristem is usually technical/scientific in register.
Meristem: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛr.ɪ.stem/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.ə.stem/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MERRY STEM' – imagine a happy, actively growing stem tip where all the new plant cells are being made.
Conceptual Metaphor
The 'factory' or 'engine room' of plant growth.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a meristem?