bare-root

adjective

of a plant
: having roots cleared of soil in preparation for transplanting
Buying bare-root roses in midwinter has several advantages—the young roses are fully dormant with small, less-developed root systems and can be transplanted with less damage …Elinor Teague, Fresno Bee, 16 Dec. 2011
While you can plant potted peonies anytime during the growing season, if you are buying bare-root plants (and you probably are) they must be planted in the fall.Craig Summers Black, Better Homes and Gardens, August 2000
also : relating to or producing bare-root plants
a bare-root nursery
Bare-root season is short because trees are dug and shipped while dormant. Emely Lincowski, Sunset, December 1992

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bare-root was in 1927

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Dictionary Entries Near bare-root

Cite this Entry

“Bare-root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bare-root. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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