root

Pronunciation

• enPR: ro͞ot, IPA ^(key): /ruːt/
• SAMPA: /ru:t/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular root

Plural roots

The roots of a tree

1. (countable) A root is a part of a tree or plant that is under the ground.

   The tree was supported by strong roots.

2. (countable) A root is the important part or the beginning part of something.

   Hatred is the root of all evil.

   I've lived here so long that I have roots here.

   The root of the word "being" is "be".

Verb

Plain form root

Third-person singular roots

Past tense rooted

Past participle rooted

Present participle rooting

1. (transitive) To root is to give or enable to something to develop roots; to fix or implant by or as if by roots
2. (transitive) To root is to remove altogether by or as if by pulling out by the roots – usually used with out

   The school authorities will root out the troublemakers.

3. (intransitive) To root is to grow roots or take root.

   Dandelions took root in my flowerbeds.

4. (intransitive) To root is to have an origin or base.

   The love of money has its roots in greed.