taproot

tap·root  (tprt, -rt)

n.

The main root of a plant, usually stouter than the lateral roots and growing straight downward from the stem.

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taproot

Noun

the main root of plants such as the dandelion, which grows straight down and bears smaller lateral roots

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taproot  (tprt, -rt) The main root in gymnosperms, eudicotyledons, and magnoliids, usually stouter than the lateral roots and growing straight downward from the stem. The taproot develops from the primary root. The taproot and its lateral roots penetrate deeper into the soil than the fibrous roots characteristic of monocotyledons. Compare fibrous root.

taproot of a dandelion plant

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	taproot - (botany) main root of a plant growing straight downward from the stem phytology, botany - the branch of biology that studies plants root - (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
	2.	taproot - something that provides an important central source for growth or development; "the taproot of his resentment"; "genius and insanity spring from the same taproot" germ, source, seed - anything that provides inspiration for later work