primary root

American  

noun

Botany.

1. the first root produced by a germinating seed, developing from the radicle of the embryo.

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primary root Scientific  

1. The first root of a plant, originating in the embryo. In gymnosperms, eudicotyledons, and magnoliids, the primary root develops into the taproot. In monocotyledons, the primary root disintegrates as the lateral roots develop into a system of fibrous roots.

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Etymology

Origin of primary root

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Inasmuch as the growth of the primary root is soon overtaken by other roots growing from the stem, all the roots happen to be of the same size.

From A Handbook of Some South Indian Grasses by Rangachari, K.

These are all simple, that is, there is but one primary root.

From Outlines of Lessons in Botany, Part I; from Seed to Leaf by Newell, Jane H.

The single root of the commoner biennials is the primary root, or tap-root, which begins to thicken in the seedling.

From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Gray, Asa

Forcible conquest and adverse occupation is nearly always the primary root of title.

From Is Ulster Right? by Anonymous

The growth of the primary root is limited; sooner or later adventitious roots develop from the axis above the radicle which they ultimately exceed in growth.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various