root

¹root

noun, often attributive \ˈrüt, ˈru̇t\

Definition of ROOT

1

a : the usually underground part of a seed plant body that originates usually from the hypocotyl, functions as an organ of absorption, aeration, and food storage or as a means of anchorage and support, and differs from a stem especially in lacking nodes, buds, and leaves b : any subterranean plant part (as a true root or a bulb, tuber, rootstock, or other modified stem) especially when fleshy and edible

2

a : the part of a tooth within the socket; also : any of the processes into which this part is often divided — see tooth illustration b : the enlarged basal part of a hair within the skin c : the proximal end of a nerve d : the part of an organ or physical structure by which it is attached to the body <the root of the tongue>

3

a : something that is an origin or source (as of a condition or quality) <the love of money is the root of all evil — 1 Timothy 6:10(Authorized Version)> b : one or more progenitors of a group of descendants —usually used in plural c : an underlying support : basis d : the essential core : heart —often used in the phrase at root e : close relationship with an environment : tie —usually used in plural <they put down roots in a farming community>

4

a : a quantity taken an indicated number of times as an equal factor <2 is a fourth root of 16> b : a number that reduces an equation to an identity when it is substituted for one variable

5

a : the lower part : base b : the part by which an object is attached to something else

6

: the simple element inferred as the basis from which a word is derived by phonetic change or by extension (as composition or the addition of an affix or inflectional ending)

7

: the lowest tone of a chord (as C in a C minor chord) when the tones are arranged in ascending thirds

— root·ed \ˈrü-təd, ˈru̇-\ adjective

— root·ed·ness noun

— root·less \ˈrüt-ləs, ˈru̇t-\ adjective

— root·less·ness noun

— root·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of ROOT

1. Elm trees have shallow roots.
2. Pull weeds up by the roots so that they don't grow back.
3. You can tell that she dyes her hair blonde because her dark roots are showing.

Origin of ROOT

Middle English, from Old English rōt, from Old Norse; akin to Old English wyrt root, Latin radix, Greek rhiza

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to ROOT

Synonyms: cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, source, seedbed, spring, well, wellspring

Related Words: beginning, commencement, dawn, day one, genesis, get-go (also git-go), inception, incipience, incipiency, kickoff, launch, morning, nascence, nascency, onset, outset, start, threshold; baseline, first base, ground zero, square one

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at origin

Other Dentistry Terms

bridge, crown, tush