root
♦ root /r'uːt/ (roots rooting rooted)
1 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The roots of a plant are the parts of it that grow under the ground.
...the twisted roots of an apple tree.
2 [VERB] V, V n
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...
Root the cuttings in a heated propagator.
3 [ADJ] ADJ n
Root vegetables or root crops are grown for their roots which are large and can be eaten.
...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] usu poss N
You can refer to the place or culture that a person or their family comes from as their roots.
I am proud of my Brazilian roots...
6 [N-COUNT] usu the N of n
You can refer to the cause of a problem or of an unpleasant situation as the root of it or the roots of it.
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] V prep
If you root through or in something, you search for something by moving other things around.
She rooted through the bag, found what she wanted, and headed toward the door...
= rummage
9
see also rooted, cube root, square root, square root
10 [PHRASE] PHR after v, PHR n
If something has been completely changed or destroyed, you can say that it has been changed or destroyed root and branch. (WRITTEN)
The forces of National Socialism were transforming Germany root and branch...
Some prison practices are in need of root and branch reform.
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
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.
When they got to Montana, they put down roots and built a life.
= settle down
12 [PHRASE] V inflects
If an idea, belief, or custom takes root, it becomes established among a group of people.
Time would be needed for democracy to take root...cube root (cube roots)
[N-COUNT] usu sing, the N of n
The cube root of 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.root around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, also V P
If you root around or root about in something, you look for something there, moving things around as you search. (in BRIT, also use root about)
`It's in here somewhere,' he said, rooting about in his desk.root beer (root beers)
[N-UNCOUNT]
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-COUNT]
A glass, can, or bottle of root beer can be referred to as a root beer.
Kevin buys a root beer.root for
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
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...root gin|ger
[N-UNCOUNT]
Root ginger is the stem of the ginger plant. It is often used in Chinese and Indian cooking.root out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
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...
It shouldn't take too long to root him out.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
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...square root (square roots)
[N-COUNT] usu N of num
The square root of 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.
1 [N-COUNT] usu pl
The roots of a plant are the parts of it that grow under the ground.
...the twisted roots of an apple tree.
2 [VERB] V, V n
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...
Root the cuttings in a heated propagator.
3 [ADJ] ADJ n
Root vegetables or root crops are grown for their roots which are large and can be eaten.
...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] usu poss N
You can refer to the place or culture that a person or their family comes from as their roots.
I am proud of my Brazilian roots...
6 [N-COUNT] usu the N of n
You can refer to the cause of a problem or of an unpleasant situation as the root of it or the roots of it.
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] V prep
If you root through or in something, you search for something by moving other things around.
She rooted through the bag, found what she wanted, and headed toward the door...
= rummage
9
see also rooted, cube root, square root, square root
10 [PHRASE] PHR after v, PHR n
If something has been completely changed or destroyed, you can say that it has been changed or destroyed root and branch. (WRITTEN)
The forces of National Socialism were transforming Germany root and branch...
Some prison practices are in need of root and branch reform.
11 [PHRASE] V inflects
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.
When they got to Montana, they put down roots and built a life.
= settle down
12 [PHRASE] V inflects
If an idea, belief, or custom takes root, it becomes established among a group of people.
Time would be needed for democracy to take root...cube root (cube roots)
[N-COUNT] usu sing, the N of n
The cube root of 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.root around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, also V P
If you root around or root about in something, you look for something there, moving things around as you search. (in BRIT, also use root about)
`It's in here somewhere,' he said, rooting about in his desk.root beer (root beers)
[N-UNCOUNT]
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-COUNT]
A glass, can, or bottle of root beer can be referred to as a root beer.
Kevin buys a root beer.root for
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
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...root gin|ger
[N-UNCOUNT]
Root ginger is the stem of the ginger plant. It is often used in Chinese and Indian cooking.root out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
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...
It shouldn't take too long to root him out.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
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...square root (square roots)
[N-COUNT] usu N of num
The square root of 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.