Entertainment / Literature / Root: (1) a base morpheme without affixes attached to it. (2) A word in an older language that became the source for future words in later languages. For instance, the Latin word unus (one') is the root for Spanish uno and French une, which also mean 'one.' The Latin root word caballus (horse) gives us words such as words as the Spanish caballo, Old French caval, Modern English cavalry, and modern French cheval (all meaning horse or associated with horses). Words in different languages that ultimately descend from the same root--cousins and siblings on the linguistic family tree--are said to be cognates to each other. Etymology is the study of how words can be traced back to an older root.
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Root Noun Synonyms: base, basis, foundation, source, seat, cause, fountain-head, origin, fount, well-spring
Root Verb Synonyms: rootstock, rootstalk, tap root, rootlet, tuber, radix, radicle, radicel, rhizome, rhizomorph
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Science / Biology / Root Hairs: Extensions of the root epidermis that increase the roots ability to absorb water. MORE