root

/ɹuːt/noun

The part of a plant, usually below the ground, that holds it in place and takes in water and nutrients from the soil.

Example sentences

“The old oak's roots had cracked the pavement around it.”
“Water the young tree deeply so its roots grow strong.”

Rich in figurative uses: the root of the problem, taking root, putting down roots. In some accents it sounds identical to 'route'.

Often confused with root

root vs route: route (noun): The path or way you follow to get from one place to another.

Related words

trunkThe tall, thick woody part of a tree that holds it up and carries its branches.vineA climbing plant on which grapes grow.branchA woody limb that grows out from a tree's trunk and often splits into smaller parts.mossA tiny green plant without seeds that grows in soft patches on soil, rocks, and tree trunks.twigA thin little branch on a tree or shrub.fernA flowerless plant with feathery leaves that reproduces by releasing spores instead of seeds.