n. 1 the main stem of a herbaceous plant. 2 the slender attachment or support of a leaf, flower, fruit, etc. 3 a similar support for an organ etc. in an animal. 4 a slender support or linking shaft in a machine, object, etc., e.g. the stem of a wineglass. 5 the tall chimney of a factory etc. stalk-eyed (of crabs, snails, etc.) having the eyes mounted on stalks. stalked adj. (also in comb.). stalkless adj. stalklet n. stalklike adj. stalky adj.
[ ME stalke, prob. dimin. of (now dial.) stale rung of a ladder, long handle, f. OE stalu ]