taproot

noun

tap·root | \ ˈtap-ˌrüt

How to pronounce taproot (audio)

, -ˌru̇t \

Definition of taproot

1 : a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots

2 : the central element or position in a line of growth or development

Examples of taproot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some perennials, such as dandelions, have a long, deep taproot like a carrot. — Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, "Spring is here, and weeds are already sprouting. Here’s how to get a head start on weeding to lessen the spread.," 28 Mar. 2021 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020 With a few years under its belt, the taproot expands into an impressive tuber that needs to be dug out. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: On managing poke weed and snakes," 24 Sep. 2020 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. — Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, "Poem: Drunken Forest," 1 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'taproot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

30 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Taproot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taproot. Accessed 16 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for taproot

taproot

noun

English Language Learners Definition of taproot

: the large main root of a plant from which smaller roots grow

See the full definition for taproot in the English Language Learners Dictionary

taproot

noun

tap·root | \ ˈtap-ˌrüt

, -ˌru̇t \

Kids Definition of taproot

: a main root of a plant that grows straight down and gives off smaller side roots

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