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 (such 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 (King James 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 (such as composition or the addition of an affix or inflectional ending)
7
:the lowest tone of a chord (such as C in a C minor chord) when the tones are arranged in ascending thirds
8
computers
:a level of access to a computer system that allows complete access to files on the system and complete control over the system's functions
—usually used before another noun
- root user
- root directory
—
rootedness
noun
—
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