# stoma

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstəʊmə/ · frequency rank #74,538

## Definitions
1. One of the tiny pores in the epidermis of a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor pass.
2. A small opening in a membrane; a surgically constructed opening, especially one in the abdominal wall that permits the passage of waste after a colostomy or ileostomy.
3. A mouthlike opening, such as the oral cavity of a nematode.
4. An artificial anus.

## Etymology
From New Latin stoma, from Ancient Greek στόμα (stóma, “mouth”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/stoma