Definition

A record or diagram that shows the family relationships or lineage of a person or group, often represented as a tree structure.

Example

The historian created a stemma to illustrate the family connections of the ancient rulers.

Conversation

I just found out that our family has a stemma tracing back to the 1800s!

That's amazing! I would love to see it.

Yeah, it really shows how interconnected our ancestors were.

For sure, I think it's fascinating to learn about our roots.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stemma is derived from the Greek word "stemmata" (meaning a wreath or crown). In Latin, it refers to a family tree or lineage, symbolizing the branches of a family. The word "stemma" thus signifies a representation of ancestry or heritage, often depicted as a genealogical tree.

Memory Tip

Imagine a family tree as a 'wreath' or 'crown' of connections, which helps you remember that 'stemma' refers to lineage or ancestry.

Visually Confused Words