meristem

noun

mer·​i·​stem ˈmer-ə-ˌstem How to pronounce meristem (audio)
: a formative plant tissue usually made up of small cells capable of dividing indefinitely and giving rise to similar cells or to cells that differentiate to produce the definitive tissues and organs
meristematic
ˌmer-ə-stə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce meristem (audio)
adjective
meristematically
ˌmer-ə-stə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meristem (audio)
adverb

Examples of meristem 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.
Using optimal thermal energy, the laser explodes cell walls at the meristem, effectively killing the weed from the inside out. — Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 Evolutionarily, intercalary meristems are miraculous bits of adaptation. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek meristos divided (from merizein to divide, from meros) + English -em (as in system)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meristem was in 1872

Phrases Containing meristem

Rhymes for meristem

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Browse Nearby Words

meristele
meristem
meristic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meristem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meristem. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

meristem

noun
mer·​i·​stem ˈmer-ə-ˌstem How to pronounce meristem (audio)
: a plant tissue made up of cells that are not specialized for a particular purpose, are capable of dividing any number of times, and can produce cells that specialize to form the fully developed plant tissues and organs
meristematic
ˌmer-ə-stə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce meristem (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on meristem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meristem

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