Meaning & Definition of word "Root"

noun:

• 1. The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, and is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water.
  • Example: The gardener examined the roots of the plant to ensure they were healthy.
• 2. The fundamental or basic cause, source, or origin of something.
  • Example: We need to address the root of the problem rather than just treating its symptoms.
• 3. The part of a word that contains its basic meaning, which can have prefixes or suffixes added to it.
  • Example: In the word 'unhappiness', 'happy' is the root.
• 4. A person’s ancestry or cultural heritage.
  • Example: She traced her roots back to Italy and decided to visit her ancestors' hometown.
• 5. A mathematical expression that produces a specified number when multiplied by itself a certain number of times.
  • Example: The square root of 16 is 4.

verb:

• 1. To establish deeply and firmly.
  • Example: The new policies were rooted in the principles of equality and justice.
• 2. To cause to take root; to plant securely.
  • Example: They rooted the young trees in the soil to ensure growth.