Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking a stoma or stomata: Describes a plant or plant structure that does not have any stomata. Stomata are the microscopic pores in the epidermis of leaves and stems that allow for gas exchange.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The lower surface of the leaf was found to be astomatal. (The lower surface of the leaf was discovered to have no stomata.)
  • Some aquatic plants have astomatal leaves to prevent water loss. (Some aquatic plants possess leaves without stomata to avoid losing water.)

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: The term is almost exclusively used in botany, plant anatomy, and related scientific fields to describe the absence of stomata.
  • The astomatal condition is an adaptation to xeric environments. (The state of having no stomata is an adaptation to dry environments.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stoma (noun): A pore, especially in a plant leaf or stem.
• Stomatal (adjective): Having or relating to stomata.
• Stomatiferous (adjective): Bearing stomata.

Synonyms

• Non-stomatal: Not having stomata. (A more common, less technical synonym.)
• Stomata-free: Free from stomata. (A descriptive synonym.)

Antonyms

• Stomatal: Possessing stomata.
• Stomatiferous: Bearing stomata.

Adjective

1. lacking a stoma or stomata