corm

noun

ˈkȯrm How to pronounce corm (audio)
: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure compare bulb, tuber

Examples of corm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here's How to Overwinter Them 06 of 10 Gladiolus Gladiolus can be left in the garden through winter in Zones 8–11, but gladiolus corms need to be overwintered indoors in colder areas. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 The Domes received a gift of a dormant corpse flower corm — similar to a bulb or tuber — about 16 years ago from the University of Wisconsin and have since grown more than 10 corpse flower corms from the original. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024 Store the dormant corms in a cool, dry spot and replant next May. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024 Gladiola corms and dahlia tubers: Let the first frost cause dieback and then dig them. —Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for corm 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin cormus, borrowed from Greek kormós "tree trunk after removal of the boughs," from kor-, o-grade derivative from the base of keírein "to cut off, shave" + -mos, resultative noun suffix — more at shear entry 1

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corm was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near corm

Çorlu

corm

cormatose

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Corm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corm. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

corm

noun
ˈkȯrm How to pronounce corm (audio)
: a solid underground part of a stem (as of the crocus) that is shaped like a bulb compare bulb sense 1a, tuber sense 1

Medical Definition

corm

noun
ˈkȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce corm (audio)
: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure

More from Merriam-Webster on corm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corm

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