During the emergency ascent, the stern plane failed to respond, forcing the crew to manually correct the submarine's angle.

The stern planes were adjusted to stabilize the submarine during rough seas.

Topologists often study the Fintushel-Stern knot, a three-tangle pretzel knot with a first tangle of two right-handed twists, a second of three left-handed twists, and a third of seven left-handed twists, as a test case for knot surgery.

The crew inspected the deck from stem to stern before setting sail.

The old fishing boats lined up at the dock showed faded pink sterns that caught the sunlight.

The yacht designer inspected the tunnel sterns before approving the hull modifications.

Traditional working boats often have square sterns to maximize deck space.

The captain ordered the watchman to check the lanterns on the sterncastle.

The geologist carefully examined a fragment of sternbergite under the microscope to determine its crystalline structure.

Under the microscope, the pathologist identified a Reed-Sternberg cell, confirming the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma.