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botany an epidermal pore, present in large numbers in plant leaves, that controls the passage of gases into and out of a plant

zoology anatomy a mouth or mouthlike part

surgery an artificial opening made in a tubular organ, esp the colon or ileum See colostomy ileostomy

Botany��One of the tiny openings in the epidermis of a plant, through which gases and water vapor pass. Stomata permit the absorption of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis from the air, as well as the removal of excess oxygen. Stomata occur on all living plant parts that have contact with the air; they are especially abundant on leaves. A single leaf may have many thousands of stomata. Each stoma is generally between 10 to 30 microns in length and is surrounded by a pair of crescent-shaped cells, called guard cells. The guard cells can change shape and close the stoma in order to prevent the loss of water vapor.

Botany��See Note at transpiration

Zoology��A mouthlike opening, such as the oral cavity of a nematode.

Medicine��A temporary or permanent opening in a body surface, especially the abdomen or throat, that is created by a surgical procedure, such as a colostomy or tracheostomy.