Stoma

stō′ma, n. ( bot. ) one of the minute openings in the epidermis of leaves and tender green stems of plants, subserving the purpose of respiration: ( zool. ) one of the breathing-holes in the bodies of certain of the articulata:— pl. Stō′mat a .— adjs. Stomat′ic ; Stomatif′erous .— n. Stomatī′tis , inflammation of the interior of the mouth.— adj. Stō′matode , having a stoma.— ns. Stomatol′ogy , the scientific knowledge of the mouth; Stō′matoscope , an instrument for examining the interior of the mouth. [Gr. stoma , a mouth.]