stolon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency / SpecializedTechnical / Scientific (Botany, Zoology, Mycology)
Quick answer
What does “stolon” mean?
A horizontal stem or branch that grows along the ground surface, producing roots and shoots at nodes, enabling a plant to spread vegetatively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal stem or branch that grows along the ground surface, producing roots and shoots at nodes, enabling a plant to spread vegetatively.
In biology, a stolon is a runner or creeping stem that serves as a means of asexual reproduction. In zoology, it can refer to a similar structural element in certain colonial invertebrates (e.g., some hydroids) connecting individual zooids.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is uniformly technical.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stolon” in a Sentence
The plant VERB (produces/sends out/forms) stolons.Stolons GROW/SPREAD/CREEP along the ground.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stolon” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The strawberry plant propagates itself by means of a stolon.
- Each node on the stolon has the potential to form a new plantlet.
American English
- The new lawn grass spread quickly via stolons.
- Researchers measured the growth rate of the stolon under different light conditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potential metaphorical use in tech: 'The software update propagated through the network like a stolon.'
Academic
Standard term in botany, horticulture, and zoology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used by gardeners or biology students.
Technical
Precise term for a specific mode of plant propagation or colonial animal structure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stolon”
- Confusing 'stolon' (above ground) with 'rhizome' (below ground).
- Using it as a general term for any stem.
- Misspelling as 'stollon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A stolon grows along the surface of the ground, while a rhizome is a stem that grows horizontally underground.
Yes, the strawberry plant (Fragaria) is a classic example. It sends out long, thin stolons (often called 'runners') that develop new plantlets.
Yes, in zoology it describes a connecting structure in some colonial animals like hydroids or corals. It's also used metaphorically in some technical fields like computing.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used primarily in scientific and gardening contexts.
A horizontal stem or branch that grows along the ground surface, producing roots and shoots at nodes, enabling a plant to spread vegetatively.
Stolon is usually technical / scientific (botany, zoology, mycology) in register.
Stolon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊ.lɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊ.lɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STONE (sounds like 'sto') LONg and flat on the ground – a stolon is a long, ground-level stem.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL NETWORK CABLE or a BRIDGE FOR NEW LIFE, connecting and giving rise to new independent units.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following plants is most famously known for reproducing via stolons?