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rhi·zome

(rīzōm′)

A horizontal, usually underground stem that often sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Also called rootstock.

[Greek rhizōma, mass of roots, from rhizoun, to cause to take root, from rhiza, root; see wrād- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

rhi·zoma·tous (-zŏmə-təs, -zōmə-) adj.

rhi·zomic adj.

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rhizome

Solomon's seal rhizome

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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