ลำต้น

Explanation

ลำต้น is the main axis of a plant. It supports the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit and carries water and nutrients through the plant. The same Thai word can refer to both a woody tree trunk and the stem of a smaller or nonwoody plant. The element ลำ conveys the image of a long central body or shaft.

Usage

It is commonly used when describing the size, shape, or condition of a tree trunk or plant stem. It also appears frequently in gardening, agriculture, and science lessons about plant structure and function.

Caution

Do not use ลำต้น for a branch or for the body of a person or animal. A branch is กิ่ง, a slender leaf or flower stalk is ก้าน, and a person's or animal's torso is ลำตัว.

1 stem synonyms

• ก้าน

  kâan stem; stalk; petiole

  ก้าน refers to a relatively slender stalk that connects a leaf, flower, or fruit to the plant. ลำต้น is the plant's main stem or trunk.

• ต้น

  tôn tree

  ต้น can refer to a plant or tree as a whole and is also used as a classifier for plants. ลำต้น specifically identifies the plant's main stem or trunk.