corm

noun

ˈkȯrm 

: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure compare bulb, tuber

Examples of corm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And saffron corms replicate themselves underground. —Jane Black, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

Here's How to Overwinter Them 06 of 10 Gladiolus Gladiolus can be left in the garden through winter in Zones 8–11, but gladiolus corms need to be overwintered indoors in colder areas. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

The Domes received a gift of a dormant corpse flower corm — similar to a bulb or tuber — about 16 years ago from the University of Wisconsin and have since grown more than 10 corpse flower corms from the original. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024

Store the dormant corms in a cool, dry spot and replant next May. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin cormus, borrowed from Greek kormós "tree trunk after removal of the boughs," from kor-, o-grade derivative from the base of keírein "to cut off, shave" + -mos, resultative noun suffix — more at shear entry 1

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corm

• dorm
• form
• forme
• norm
• storm
• swarm
• warm
• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm

Kids Definition

corm

noun

ˈkȯrm 

: a solid underground part of a stem (as of the crocus) that is shaped like a bulb compare bulb sense 1a, tuber sense 1

Medical Definition

corm

noun

ˈkȯ(ə)rm 

: a rounded thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds and acting as a vegetative reproductive structure