Definition

1. Noun:
   • Stem (of a leaf or fruit): The slender, stalk-like structure that attaches a leaf, flower, or fruit to the main branch or twig of a plant.
   • Hollow stem (of a vegetable): Specifically refers to the hollow, tubular stalk of certain vegetables, such as water spinach (rau muống) or broccoli.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trước khi nấu, bạn nên tước bỏ phần cuộng già của rau. (Before cooking, you should strip off the tough stems of the vegetables.)
  • Cuộng lá rất giòn và có thể dùng để xào. (The leaf stems are very crispy and can be used for stir-frying.)
  • Con sâu bám chặt vào cuộng quả. (The caterpillar clung tightly to the fruit's stem.)

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts, "cuộng" is a specific term for the petiole (leaf stalk) or pedicel (flower/fruit stalk).
• The word often implies a degree of fibrousness or hollowness, especially when discussing edible vegetables.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuống (n): This is a common variant spelling and pronunciation of "cuộng," with the same meaning.
• Thân cây (n): The main stem or trunk of a plant.
• Cọng (n): Often used for a single, long, slender stem of a leafy vegetable or herb (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Stalk: The main stem of a plant or the stem supporting a leaf, flower, or fruit.
• Petiole: The botanical term for the stalk that attaches a leaf blade to the stem.
• Pedicel: The botanical term for the stalk supporting a single flower or fruit.

Related Idioms

• • Nhặt rau, bỏ cuộng: To pick vegetables, discarding the stems.

    • Công việc của cô ấy là nhặt rau, bỏ cuộng. (Her job is to pick the vegetables, discarding the stems.)