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Glite Dictionary
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stele

stele

9.9
The central part of a stem or root that carries water and food
  • noun
  • /ˈstiːli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estela
  • The stele of a dicot root contains both xylem and phloem arranged in a characteristic star shape.

Examples

  • Scientists examined the stele to determine the pattern of vascular tissue in the plant stem.

  • Damage to the stele can disrupt the flow of water and nutrients within the plant.

  • The stele is crucial for transporting nutrients in plants.

  • In botany, the stele refers to the central part of the root.

  • Damage to the stele can disrupt the flow of water and nutrients within the plant.

  • Scientists examined the stele to determine the arrangement of vascular tissue in the plant stem.

  • The stele of a dicot root typically shows both xylem and phloem organized in a star shape.

Surface Forms

stele singular
steles plural

Etymology

Stele originally comes from the Greek word stēlē meaning 'standing pillar'. In plants, scientists called the central cylinder the stele because it acts like a pillar inside the stem that supports the plant and carries water and nutrients.