stə̇ˈrigmə noun
( plural sterigma·ta -məd.ə ; also sterigmas )
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek stērigma support, from stērizein to prop, support; akin to Greek stereos solid — more at stare
1. : one of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are abstricted ; broadly : a stalk or filament from which conidia or spermatia are abjointed — compare phialide
2. : one of the persistent peg-shaped projections to which the leaves of some conifers (as spruces) are attached on the twigs
• ster·ig·mat·ic |ste(ˌ)rig|mad.ik, -_rēg- adjective