caule
/ˈkaw.li/
The English word 'stem' (referring to the above-ground stalk of a vascular plant) is translated into Portuguese as caule.
In a botanical context, caule is the term used to describe the stalk of a plant. If you are discussing descent or origin, you might use related verbs such as derivar, originar or descender.
Meaning: botany: above-ground stalk of a vascular plant (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word galho is more frequently used to describe branches rather than stems.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaw.li/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin ancestor of caule, known as 'caulis', is also the direct ancestor of the English word 'cauliflower'.
- While caule is the technical term, Portuguese speakers often use talo to describe the edible stems of vegetables like celery or broccoli.
- The term caule comes from the Latin word caulis, which originally referred to the cabbage-stalk.
Examples in context
- Uma rosa tem espinhos no caule.A rose has thorns on its stem.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe the physical features of a rose using caule.Tatoeba #10600374 by Luciferous, translation #35070 by CM
- O talo da flor é verdeThe stem of the flower is green
- A haste da planta é longaThe plant's stem is long
- O caule da árvore é resistenteThe tree's stem is sturdy
- O caule desta planta é muito fino.The stem of this plant is very thin.
- O caule do girassol é resistente.The sunflower stem is sturdy.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are gardening together in the backyard.
- RodrigoBeatriz, veja este caule quebradiço.Beatriz, look at this brittle stem.
- BeatrizSim, o caule está muito fraco.Yes, the stem is very weak.
- RodrigoVou colocar um suporte no caule.I will put a support on the stem.
- BeatrizBoa ideia, Rodrigo, isso vai ajudar.Good idea, Rodrigo, that will help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stem” translations and entries caule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
