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
Workers in a nursery can graft scion wood from a different tree onto that rootstock and a third apple may arise.
—
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025
Little Ollie consists of a fruitless olive that has been grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
For smaller trees, select winter-hardy varieties on dwarfing rootstocks.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Many of our small trees are grafted onto rootstocks that can tolerate our local soil conditions.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
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Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025
Little Ollie consists of a fruitless olive that has been grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
For smaller trees, select winter-hardy varieties on dwarfing rootstocks.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Many of our small trees are grafted onto rootstocks that can tolerate our local soil conditions.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rootstock
Cite this Entry
“Rootstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rootstock. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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