root hair
noun
: a filamentous extension of an epidermal cell near the tip of a rootlet that functions in absorption of water and minerals see seedling illustration
Examples of root hair in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beyond that, an almost 2 1/2-pound carrot with long, scraggly root hairs sat across from a slightly heftier tomato with clusters of small, wart-like appendages.
—
Emily Mesner, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Sep. 2023
This particular genus is small and slow, and bears a striking resemblance to plant root hairs.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2023
No bacteria, no root hairs!
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Apr. 2023
Along with the seven members, Siwa celebrated their spunk with rainbow hair tinsel and to-the-root hair gems.
—Chelsea Avila, Allure, 24 Aug. 2022
Once the tree roots reach the edge, the leading root hairs grow through but then are pinched by the fabric.
—Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, 20 Dec. 2017
When your plant is transplanted, it can be stressed if there is damage to root hairs, as this will impede water absorption until the plant can replace them.
—Rita Perwich, sandiegouniontribune.com, 5 Oct. 2017
Emily Mesner, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Sep. 2023
This particular genus is small and slow, and bears a striking resemblance to plant root hairs.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2023
No bacteria, no root hairs!
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Apr. 2023
Along with the seven members, Siwa celebrated their spunk with rainbow hair tinsel and to-the-root hair gems.
—Chelsea Avila, Allure, 24 Aug. 2022
Once the tree roots reach the edge, the leading root hairs grow through but then are pinched by the fabric.
—Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, 20 Dec. 2017
When your plant is transplanted, it can be stressed if there is damage to root hairs, as this will impede water absorption until the plant can replace them.
—Rita Perwich, sandiegouniontribune.com, 5 Oct. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'root hair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1841, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near root hair
Cite this Entry
“Root hair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20hair. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
root hair
noun
: one of the threadlike outgrowths near the tip of a rootlet that function in absorption of water and minerals
More from Merriam-Webster on root hair
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about root hair
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share