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rout²

(rout)

v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs

v.intr.

1. To dig with the snout; root.

2. To poke around; rummage.

v.tr.

1. To expose to view as if by digging; uncover.

2. To hollow, scoop, or gouge out.

3. To drive or force out as if by digging; eject: rout out an informant.

4. Archaic To dig up with the snout.

[Variant of ROOT².]

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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