noun

taproot

taproot

Carrots and dandelions have a long taproot.

Carrots and dandelions have a long taproot.

The tree's deep taproot helps it find water.

The tree's deep taproot helps it find water.

((a/the)) taproot (noun) a straight tapering root growing vertically downward and forming the center from which subsidiary rootlets spring Carrots are a type of taproot.

Synonyms: main root, primary root

A combination of 'tap' (like a spigot, suggesting a downward point) and 'root'.

Imagine a root that 'taps' into the ground for water, like tapping a keg. Carrots are a good visual example of a taproot.

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