root

Pronunciation: rūt

Definition:

1. The primary or beginning portion of any part, as of a nerve at its origin from the brainstem or spinal cord.
2. The descending underground portion of a plant; it absorbs water and nutrients, provides support, and stores nutrients.
3. Loosely used to denote the etiology of a process, event, or conflict requiring solutions to allow mitigation. For roots of pharmacologic significance that are not listed below, see specific names.

Synonym(s): root of tooth

Synonym(s): radix1

[A.S. rot]

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