root (roots plural & 3rd person present) (rooting present participle) (rooted past tense & past participle )
1 n-count The roots of a plant are the parts of it that grow under the ground.
usu pl
...the twisted roots of an apple tree.
2 verb If you root a plant or cutting or if it roots, roots form on the bottom of its stem and it starts to grow.
Most plants will root in about six to eight weeks... V
Root the cuttings in a heated propagator. V n
3 adj Root vegetables or root crops are grown for their roots which are large and can be eaten.
ADJ n
...root crops such as carrots and potatoes.
4 n-count The root of a hair or tooth is the part of it that is underneath the skin.
...decay around the roots of teeth.
5 n-plural You can refer to the place or culture that a person or their family comes from as their roots.
usu poss N
I am proud of my Brazilian roots...
6 n-count You can refer to the cause of a problem or of an unpleasant situation as therootof it or therootsof it.
usu the N of n
We got to the root of the problem...
7 n-count The root of a word is the part that contains its meaning and to which other parts can be added. (TECHNICAL)
The word `secretary' comes from the same Latin root as the word `secret'.
8 verb If you rootthrough or in something, you search for something by moving other things around.
(=rummage)
She rooted through the bag, found what she wanted, and headed toward the door... V prep
9
→
rooted
→
cube root
→
grass roots
→
square root
10 If something has been completely changed or destroyed, you can say that it has been changed or destroyed root and branch.
WRITTEN
root and branch phrase PHR after v, PHR n
The forces of National Socialism were transforming Germany root and branch..., Some prison practices are in need of root and branch reform.
11 If someone puts down roots, they make a place their home, for example by taking part in activities there or by making a lot of friends there.
put down roots phrase V inflects
(=settle down)
When they got to Montana, they put down roots and built a life.
12 If an idea, belief, or custom takes root, it becomes established among a group of people.
take root phrase V inflects
Time would be needed for democracy to take root... root around phrasal verb
in BRIT, also use root about If you root around or root about in something, you look for something there, moving things around as you search.
`It's in here somewhere,' he said, rooting about in his desk. V P prep, Also V P root for phrasal verb If you are rooting for someone, you are giving them your support while they are doing something difficult or trying to defeat another person.
INFORMAL Good luck, we'll be rooting for you... V P n root out
1 phrasal verb If you root out a person, you find them and force them from the place they are in, usually in order to punish them.
The generals have to root out traitors... V P n (not pron)
It shouldn't take too long to root him out. V n P
2 phrasal verb If you root out a problem or an unpleasant situation, you find out who or what is the cause of it and put an end to it. There would be a major drive to root out corruption... V P n (not pron)
cube root (cube roots plural )Thecube rootof a number is another number that makes the first number when it is multiplied by itself twice. For example, the cube root of 8 is 2. n-count usu sing, the N of n
root beer (root beers plural )Root beer is a fizzy non-alcoholic drink flavoured with the roots of various plants and herbs. It is popular in the United States. n-uncount
A glass, can, or bottle of root beer can be referred to as a root beer., n-count
Kevin buys a root beer.
root ginger
Root ginger is the stem of the ginger plant. It is often used in Chinese and Indian cooking. n-uncount
square root (square roots plural )The square rootof a number is another number which produces the first number when it is multiplied by itself. For example, the square root of 16 is 4. n-count usu N of num
