taproot
noun
tap·root ˈtap-ˌrüt 
-ˌru̇t
1
: a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2
: the central element or position in a line of growth or development
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Colette, who was vividly at home in France and always carried with her the taproot experience of the Burgundian home and garden of her mother. 
New York Times, 23 Aug. 2022 When cut from the top, the growing point for the taproot is removed, however the growing tip for new leaves is not removed. oregonlive, 15 May 2022 The weeding tool can remove grass, moss, and small taproot weeds like dandelions from the cracks in patio landscaping. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2022 Moreover, the weeding tool is best used with taproot weeds like dandelions, or rhizomes like nettles instead of annual weeds that are sadly best pulled by hand or with a smaller tool. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2022 Small and medium-size beets tend to be more flavorful, and ideally the taproot, the thin long root at the bottom, is still attached. Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2021 Some perennials, such as dandelions, have a long, deep taproot like a carrot. Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 28 Mar. 2021 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, 1 June 2020 With a few years under its belt, the taproot expands into an impressive tuber that needs to be dug out. Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 24 Sep. 2020 See More
New York Times, 23 Aug. 2022 When cut from the top, the growing point for the taproot is removed, however the growing tip for new leaves is not removed. oregonlive, 15 May 2022 The weeding tool can remove grass, moss, and small taproot weeds like dandelions from the cracks in patio landscaping. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2022 Moreover, the weeding tool is best used with taproot weeds like dandelions, or rhizomes like nettles instead of annual weeds that are sadly best pulled by hand or with a smaller tool. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2022 Small and medium-size beets tend to be more flavorful, and ideally the taproot, the thin long root at the bottom, is still attached. Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2021 Some perennials, such as dandelions, have a long, deep taproot like a carrot. Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 28 Mar. 2021 Edited by Dava Sobel Absent of taproot, the black spruce leans madly where permafrost slumps into thermokarst. Jessica Goodfellow, Scientific American, 1 June 2020 With a few years under its belt, the taproot expands into an impressive tuber that needs to be dug out. Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 24 Sep. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
tap entry 3
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
taproot
noun
tap·root ˈtap-ˌrüt
-ˌru̇t
: a main root of a plant that grows straight down and gives off smaller side roots