The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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root

noun

/rut, rʊt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of root

The part of a plant that typically lies underground, providing support, absorbing water and nutrients, and anchoring the plant in the soil.
"Identifying the root cause of the problem is essential for finding an effective solution."

Detailed meaning of root

Roots are vital for the growth and survival of most plants, serving as the primary means of obtaining water and minerals necessary for their metabolic processes. They can vary in size, shape, and structure depending on the plant species, with some roots being fibrous and spreading while others are taproots that grow vertically. Roots not only provide structural stability to plants but also store reserve food and carbohydrates. Additionally, "root" can also refer to the origin or source of something, serving as the foundation or basis from which other things develop or derive. In this context, it signifies the fundamental or underlying essence of a concept, idea, or problem. The term "root" is also used in mathematics to describe the solution or value that satisfies an equation or expression.

Example sentences containing root

1. The plant's roots extended deep into the soil, seeking water and nutrients.
2. The tree's massive root system prevented it from toppling during the storm.
3. She harvested carrots from the garden, pulling them out by their leafy green tops and exposing their orange roots.
4. The dentist discovered an infection in the root of the patient's tooth and recommended a root canal procedure.
5. The hiker stumbled over a tree root protruding from the forest floor.
6. The genealogy enthusiast traced her family's roots back several centuries.

History and etymology of root

The word 'root,' when referring to the underground part of a plant, has its origins in Old English as 'rōt.' This term can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word 'wurtr,' which meant the same. Going even deeper into its etymology, we find that 'root' shares its ancestry with the Proto-Indo-European word '*wréh₂ds,' which was associated with digging and roots. This lineage reflects the fundamental role of roots in plants, as they are essential for anchoring the plant in the soil, absorbing nutrients and water, and ensuring its growth and stability.

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Further usage examples of root

1. He believed that education was the root of societal progress and development.
2. The math problem required finding the square root of a complex number.
3. The storm uprooted several old trees, tearing them out from their roots.
4. The herbalist used various plant roots to create medicinal remedies.
5. The detective uncovered new evidence that could be the root of the mysterious crime.
6. The linguistic professor explained the etymological roots of the word and its historical origins.
7. The root system of this tree extends deep into the soil.
8. Carrots are known for their long, orange taproots.
9. The plant's shallow roots struggled in the dry soil.
10. The root cellar stored vegetables for the winter.
11. The gardener carefully pruned the root system.
12. The roots of the tree cracked the sidewalk.
13. The oak tree's roots reached out in all directions.
14. The plant's root structure was surprisingly complex.
15. The floodwaters eroded the riverbank's roots.
16. A tangle of roots obstructed the plumbing.
17. The root of the problem lay in poor communication.
18. The plant's roots absorbed essential nutrients.
19. The mangrove's roots formed a natural barrier.
20. Digging up the root unearthed a hidden treasure.
21. The taproot delved deep to find water.
22. Root vegetables like potatoes grow underground.
23. The tree's root ball made it easy to transplant.
24. Over time, the root system became intertwined.
25. The windstorm uprooted several old trees.
26. The root cause of the issue remained elusive.