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

The Vitis vinifera varietal (including cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and zinfandel), grafted onto a rootstock that is disease-resistant to phylloxera, is the ideal type of wine grapevine. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

The rootstock is usually hardier or more disease-resistant than the scion. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Dwarf rootstocks generally produce fruit more quickly than standard apple trees, which can take five to 10 years to bear fruit. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026

Look for citrus varieties grafted onto dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock so the citrus tree stays small and doesn’t need to be pruned or re-potted as often. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

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