XSTAMEN, n. plu. stamens or stamina.

1. In a general sense, usually in the plural, the fixed, firm part of a body, which supports it or gives it its strength and solidity. Thus we say, the bones are the stamina of animal bodies; the ligneous parts of trees are the stamina which constitute their strength. Hence,

2. Whatever constitutes the principal strength or support of any thing; as the stamina of a constitution or of life; the stamina of a stage.

3. In botany, an organ of flowers for the preparation of the pollen or fecundating dust. It consists of the filament and the anther. It is considered as the male organ of fructification.