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
Pokeweed and burdock quickly send deep taproots plunging down.
—
Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2023
Their taproots can be dried and ground into a coffee substitute.
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 8 June 2023
Using herbicide to eradicate wild violets is best undertaken in the fall when the herbicide will be transported down to the taproot as the plant stores nutrients for winter.
—oregonlive, 6 May 2023
The taproot is where all the smaller roots come together to create one large root, according to wikiHow.
—Michele Petry, House Beautiful, 1 Mar. 2023
But its taproot is country, a genre rich in narrative and myth.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 1 Mar. 2023
Unfortunately, the long taproot makes these trees difficult to transplant.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2023
Colette, who was vividly at home in France and always carried with her the taproot experience of the Burgundian home and garden of her mother.
—New York Times, 23 Aug. 2022
When cut from the top, the growing point for the taproot is removed, however the growing tip for new leaves is not removed.
—oregonlive, 15 May 2022
Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2023
Their taproots can be dried and ground into a coffee substitute.
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 8 June 2023
Using herbicide to eradicate wild violets is best undertaken in the fall when the herbicide will be transported down to the taproot as the plant stores nutrients for winter.
—oregonlive, 6 May 2023
The taproot is where all the smaller roots come together to create one large root, according to wikiHow.
—Michele Petry, House Beautiful, 1 Mar. 2023
But its taproot is country, a genre rich in narrative and myth.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 1 Mar. 2023
Unfortunately, the long taproot makes these trees difficult to transplant.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2023
Colette, who was vividly at home in France and always carried with her the taproot experience of the Burgundian home and garden of her mother.
—New York Times, 23 Aug. 2022
When cut from the top, the growing point for the taproot is removed, however the growing tip for new leaves is not removed.
—oregonlive, 15 May 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'taproot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near taproot
Cite this Entry
“Taproot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taproot. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
taproot
noun
tap·root
ˈtap-ˌrüt 
-ˌru̇t
: a large main root that grows straight down and gives off many smaller side roots compare fibrous root
More from Merriam-Webster on taproot
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about taproot
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