Root: meaning, definitions and examples

🌱

Add to dictionary

root

[ ruːt ]

^{Context #1}

mathematics

The number or quantity which, when multiplied by itself a certain number of times, produces a given number or expression.

Synonyms

radical, square root

Examples of usage

The square root of 9 is 3.
To find the square root of a number, you must multiply a number by itself.

^{Context #2}

botany

The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers.

Synonyms

rhizome, tuber

Examples of usage

The roots of the tree spread out deeply into the soil.
The root system of the plant is crucial for its survival.

^{Context #3}

computing

To gain access to the root account or system of a computer or network.

Synonyms

access, hack

Examples of usage

Hackers attempted to root the company's servers.
Rooting a device gives the user more control over its functions.

Translations

Translations of the word "root" in other languages:

🇵🇹 raiz

🇮🇳 मूल

🇩🇪 Wurzel

🇮🇩 akar

🇺🇦 корінь

🇵🇱 korzeń

🇯🇵 根

🇫🇷 racine

🇪🇸 raíz

🇹🇷 kök

🇰🇷 뿌리

🇸🇦 جذر

🇨🇿 kořen

🇸🇰 koreň

🇨🇳 根

🇸🇮 korenina

🇮🇸 rót

🇰🇿 түбір

🇬🇪 ფესვი

🇦🇿 kök

🇲🇽 raíz

Word origin

The word 'root' has its origin in Old English 'rot' and is related to the Old Norse 'rot'. In Proto-Indo-European, the word 'wrād' meant 'root'. The concept of 'root' has been used in various contexts throughout history, from mathematics to botany to computing.

See also: roots, rootstalk, rootstock, uproot.