root
The part of a plant, generally underground, that anchors and supports the plant body, absorbs and stores water and nutrients, and in some plants is able to perform vegetative reproduction.
Noun 4 meanings
The part of a plant, generally underground, that anchors and supports the plant body, absorbs and stores water and nutrients, and in some plants is able to perform vegetative reproduction.
“This tree's roots can go as deep as twenty metres underground.”
A root vegetable.
The part of a tooth extending into the bone holding the tooth in place.
“Root damage is a common problem of overbrushing.”
The part of a hair under the skin that holds the hair in place.
“The root is the only part of the hair that is alive.”
Verb 4 meanings
To grow roots; to enter the earth, as roots; to take root and begin to grow.
“The cuttings are starting to root.”
To prepare, oversee, or otherwise cause the rooting of cuttings.
“We rooted some cuttings last summer.”
To fix firmly; to establish.
To turn up or dig with the snout.
“A pig roots the earth for truffles.”
Etymology
PIE word *wréh₂ds From Middle English rote, root, roote (“the underground part of a plant”), from late Old English rōt, from Old Norse rót (“root”), from Proto-Germanic *wrōts (“root”), from Proto-Indo-European *wréh₂ds (“root”); Doublet of wort, radish, and radix.
Similar and opposite words
ROOT at a glance
ROOT has 4 letters and scores 4 points in Scrabble (R 1 + O 1 + O 1 + T 1) and 4 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #3,514 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with root
All rhymesOne letter away
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.