rootstock

noun

root·​stock ˈrüt-ˌstäk 

ˈru̇t-

1

: a rhizomatous underground part of a plant

2

: a stock for grafting consisting of a root or a piece of root

broadly : stock sense 7b

Examples of rootstock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s because they are all grafted onto more durable rootstocks. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025

Another place where suckers may pop up is below the bud union on the tree, where the citrus variety was grafted onto the rootstock. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025

An excellent choice for a small ornamental tree with year-round interest is the kumquat or one of its hybrids, which do not eclipse eight feet in height and, on dwarfing rootstocks, will stay between three and six feet tall. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2025

This growth is that of the rootstock rose and should be removed. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rootstock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

rootstock

noun

root·​stock ˈrüt-ˌstäk 

ˈru̇t-

1

: rhizome

2

: a root or part of a root to which an aboveground plant part is grafted