(n) :
		
		the above-ground 
stalk (technically 
axis) of a vascular 
plant, and certain anatomically similar, below-ground 
organs such as 
rhizomes, 
bulbs, 
tubers, and 
corms; a slender supporting member of an individual part of a plant such as a flower or a leaf; also, by analogue the shaft of a feather
		
 
			
	
		
				"the current crisis stems from the short-sighted politics of the previous government."