corm

Definition

A short, vertical, swollen, underground stem of a plant (usually one of the monocots) that serves as a storage organ to enable the plant to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as drought.

Etymology

From scientific Latin cormus, from Ancient Greek κορμός (kormós, “trunk stripped of its boughs”).

Example Sentences

• "The saffron crocus has to be planted by hand from corms."