Main Entry:

rhi·zome

Pronunciation:

\ˈrī-ˌzōm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

New Latin rhizomat-, rhizoma, from Greek rhizōmat-, rhizōma mass of roots, from rhizoun to cause to take root, from rhiza root — more at root

Date:

1845

: a somewhat elongate usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is often thickened by deposits of reserve food material, produces shoots above and roots below, and is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves

— rhi·zo·mic \rī-ˈzō-mik, -ˈzä-\ adjective