noun

root

root, origin, source

The tree has deep roots.

The tree has deep roots.

What is the root of the problem?

What is the root of the problem?

The root of 'biology' is 'bio'.

The root of 'biology' is 'bio'.

the root of ((sth.)) the cause or origin of (sth.) What is the root of the problem?

Synonyms: origin, source, base; Antonyms: branch, leaf

From Old Norse 'rót', meaning the underground part of a plant.

Picture the root of a tree, its foundation. This image applies to the source of problems or the origin of words too.

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