Mining. [f. STEM v.2 + -ER1.] a. A metal bar used for stemming; a tamping bar. b. (See quot. 1909.)
1860. Mining Gloss., Derbysh. Terms, 44. Stemmer, a piece of iron with which the clay is rammed into the shot holes to make them water tight.
1909. N. Hawkins’ Mech. Dict., Stemmer, in mining, a copper or bronze rod inserted into a powder charge, so as to leave a passage through the tamping for the fuse; a blasting needle.
