stele noun. [sti:l, 'sti:li] Pl. -les, (esp. in sense 1) -lae [-li:]. E19.
[Greek stēlē standing block. Cf. STELA.]
1. Antiquities. A stela. Also loosely, any prepared surface on the face of a building, rock, etc., bearing an inscription. E19.

2. Botany. The central core of the stem and root of a vascular plant, consisting of the vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) and associated ground tissue (pith, pericycle, etc.). Also called vascular cylinder. L19.

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