root

//ruːt//
A2Frequency Level 6Neutral
Visual representation of root

Noun

rootSingular
rootsPlural
1

The part of a plant that grows underground and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.

The roots of the tree grow deep into the ground.

2

The basic cause, source, or origin of something.

Money is the root of many problems.

3

The embedded part of a bodily organ or structure such as a hair or tooth.

The dentist examined the root of my tooth.

4

A number which, when multiplied by itself a specified number of times, produces a given number.

The square root of 16 is 4.

5

The base form of a word from which other words are derived.

The word 'unhappy' is formed from the root 'happy'.

Verb

1

To cause a plant to develop roots and begin to grow.

She rooted the cuttings in water before planting them in soil.

2

To establish deeply and firmly.

The tradition is deeply rooted in our culture.

3

To search or rummage through something.

She rooted through her bag looking for her keys.

4

To support or cheer for someone or something.

We're all rooting for you to win the competition.

root - Deep Vocabulary