root
/rut/
Also a verb
Meaning
The underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients and anchors it in soil.
The strong winds tore the ancient oak tree out by its root.
The basic cause, source, or origin of something, especially a problem.
Investigators worked for months to identify the root of the financial crisis.
A person's familial, cultural, or ancestral background and origins.
After living abroad for decades, she returned to the Midwest to reconnect with her roots.
Collocations
- root cause
- deep root
- take root
- put down roots
- grass roots
- root system
Idioms
strike at the root of
to directly attack or undermine the central cause or foundation of something
The new legislation strikes at the root of political corruption.
root and branch
thoroughly and completely
The board demanded a root and branch overhaul of the corporate hierarchy.