στέμμα
Lemma: στέμμα
Translation: crown; wreath; garland; diadem (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek στέμμα (stémma), from στέφω (stéphō, 'to crown'). Related to English 'stem' and 'stephano-' (crown-like) as in 'stephanotis'
Mnemonics
- Think of 'STEM' with a crown on top
- Remember 'stemma' sounds like 'stem-ah' - what grows up like a crown on a plant
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Important symbol in Greek history and mythology, associated with both royal power and athletic victory. Traditional wedding crowns (στέφανα) are used in Greek Orthodox wedding ceremonies.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: στέμμα means 'crown' while στέγη means 'roof'
Notes: Both words begin with 'στε-' but have different meanings and contexts
Mnemonic: στέμμα has 'μμ' (mm) like 'mmmonarch's crown'