What is "stomata"

Stoma \Sto"ma\, n.; pl. Stomata. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, ?, a mouth.]

1. (Anat.) One of the minute apertures between the cells in many serous membranes.

2. (Bot.)

   1. The minute breathing pores of leaves or other organs opening into the intercellular spaces, and usually bordered by two contractile cells.

   2. The line of dehiscence of the sporangium of a fern. It is usually marked by two transversely elongated cells. See Illust. of Sporangium.

3. (Zo["o]l.) A stigma. See Stigma, n., 6

   1. &

   2. .

n. (en-irregular plural of: stoma)

1. n. a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor can pass [syn: stomate, pore]

2. a mouth or mouthlike opening (especially one created by surgery on the surface of the body to create an opening to an internal organ)

3. [also: stomata (pl)]

See stoma