What does stomata mean?
Stomata are minute pores found in the epidermis of leaves and other green plant tissues. They form the main routes through which carbon dioxide enters a plant, oxygen and water vapour leave it, and water is lost by transpiration. Each stoma is controlled by a pair of guard cells that swell or lose turgor, opening or closing the pore according to environmental conditions. Stomata commonly remain closed during severe drought and may close during the hottest part of the day to conserve water, though their response varies among plant species. Although the plural form is also used for openings in other biological or surgical contexts, the word is most strongly associated with plant physiology. Understanding stomata is important for studying photosynthesis, water use, crop productivity, and responses to heat and drought.
Small pores in plant epidermis, especially leaves, that regulate gas exchange and water loss through the action of guard cells.
"A lack of water caused the stomata to remain closed throughout the afternoon."
The singular is “stoma”; this plural form is standard in botanical descriptions.
An opening or group of openings in an organism, including a surgically created opening into the body.
"Two stomata were formed during the operation."
This is less common than the botanical sense and is often encountered in medical contexts.
Use “stoma” for one pore or opening and “stomata” for several.
"Water stress caused the stomata to close."
Stomata are plant-sized climate controls: open them and gases enter, but water can escape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stomata come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek stōma, meaning “mouth.” Greek compounds such as stomatitis and stomach developed from the same wider root, associated with the mouth or gullet. The botanical sense arose from the comparison of leaf pores to tiny mouths through which gases enter and leave the plant.
Related word forms
How stomata is actually used
In botany, the word is almost always plural. The singular form “stoma” is used for an individual pore, while “stomata” refers to several pores collectively.
Easily confused with stomata
Stoma is the singular form; stomata is the plural used for a group of pores or openings.