rhizome
noun
rhi·zome ˈrī-ˌzōm 
: a somewhat elongated usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is often thickened by deposits of reserve food material, produces shoots above and roots below, and is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves
rhizomic
rī-ˈzō-mik
adjective -ˈzä-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Ginger contains gingerol, a powerful disease-fighting phenolic compound with antioxidant properties, found in the rhizome's natural oils. 
Melissa Matthews, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 Arising from a creeping rhizome, the plant is capable of growing in a variety of soils, from average garden soils to waterlogged soils. BostonGlobe.com, 29 May 2022 Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, but the word also refers to the yellow powder extracted from the plant's rhizome. Marci Robin, Allure, 29 Oct. 2021 After the flower blooms, its rhizome (called orris root) must be left in the ground for three years. April Long, Town & Country, 26 Aug. 2021 If mulching, do not cover the rhizome—just mulch up to it. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 14 June 2021 Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water it in to help settle the soil. oregonlive, 7 May 2021 Amy Huie, the chapter’s propagation committee chair, will talk about propagation of narrow leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) from seed and rhizome cuttings. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2021 Cut just below a rhizome, where a leaf meets the stem, or cut a piece of leaf that has a vein. oregonlive, 8 Apr. 2021 See More
Melissa Matthews, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 Arising from a creeping rhizome, the plant is capable of growing in a variety of soils, from average garden soils to waterlogged soils. BostonGlobe.com, 29 May 2022 Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, but the word also refers to the yellow powder extracted from the plant's rhizome. Marci Robin, Allure, 29 Oct. 2021 After the flower blooms, its rhizome (called orris root) must be left in the ground for three years. April Long, Town & Country, 26 Aug. 2021 If mulching, do not cover the rhizome—just mulch up to it. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 14 June 2021 Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water it in to help settle the soil. oregonlive, 7 May 2021 Amy Huie, the chapter’s propagation committee chair, will talk about propagation of narrow leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) from seed and rhizome cuttings. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2021 Cut just below a rhizome, where a leaf meets the stem, or cut a piece of leaf that has a vein. oregonlive, 8 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin rhizomat-, rhizoma, from Greek rhizōmat-, rhizōma mass of roots, from rhizoun to cause to take root, from rhiza root — more at root
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
rhizome
noun
rhi·zome ˈrī-ˌzōm
: a usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves