1. the supporting framework or matrix of an organ or cell, especially the connective tissue framework of an organ as distinguished from its functional tissue
Usage: biology; anatomy
2. the colorless framework of a red blood cell or chloroplast
Usage: biology; cell biology

Examples

• The stroma of the kidney provides structural support for the nephrons.
• Cancer cells often invade the stromal tissue surrounding tumors.
• Chloroplast stroma contains enzymes necessary for photosynthesis.
• The stroma of red blood cells gives them their flexible shape.
• Researchers studied how the stromal cells interact with immune cells.
• The liver’s stroma includes blood vessels and connective tissue.