👉 The stock of a family; a race or generation of progenitors.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! That definition you read – “the stock of a family; a race or generation of progenitors” – it’s a bit tricky, isn't it? It uses the word ‘stem,’ and we need to understand what that means. Now, when we talk about 'stem' in biology, it has a very different meaning! Think of a plant – like a rose bush or a tree. Do you see the little shoot that grows from the base? That’s the stem ! It supports the leaves and flowers, right? It’s where new growth comes from. But back to your dictionary definition... it's using 'stem' in a more figurative way. It means the lineage , the family history – tracing back through generations. Think of it like the root that stems from an older generation, growing and branching out into newer ones. So, ‘stem’ can mean both: In biology: The part of a plant that supports its growth. Figuratively: A family line or ancestry – the people who came before you! Does that make sense? Any questions about whether 'stem' has different meanings depending on the context? Don’t be shy, let’s discuss it!
