taproot

[ tap-root, -roo t ]
/ ˈtæpˌrut, -ˌrʊt /

noun Botany.

a main root descending downward from the radicle and giving off small lateral roots.

Origin of taproot

First recorded in 1595–1605; tap2 + root1

Words nearby taproot

tappet, tapping, tapping up, tappit-hen, taproom, taproot, taps, tapsal-teerie, tapsalteerie, tapster, tapu

Example sentences from the Web for tap-root

British Dictionary definitions for tap-root

taproot
/ (ˈtæpˌruːt) /

noun

the large single root of plants such as the dandelion, which grows vertically downwards and bears smaller lateral roots

Derived forms of taproot

taprooted, adjective

Word Origin for taproot

C17: from tap ² + root 1

Scientific definitions for tap-root

taproot
[ tăp′rōōt′, -rut′ ]

The main root in gymnosperms, eudicotyledons, and magnoliids, usually stouter than the lateral roots and growing straight downward from the stem. The taproot develops from the primary root. The taproot and its lateral roots penetrate deeper into the soil than the fibrous roots characteristic of monocotyledons. Compare fibrous root.

Cultural definitions for tap-root

taproot

The single deep root of many deciduous trees that forms the basis for their root systems.

notes for taproot

Figuratively, a “taproot” is the source of an idea or work: “His childhood in Wales is the taproot of his poetry.”