root hair

noun

1. an elongated tubular extension of an epidermal cell of a root, serving to absorb water and minerals from the soil.

root hair

noun

1. any of the hollow hairlike outgrowths of the outer cells of a root, just behind the tip, that absorb water and salts from the soil

root hair

1. A hairlike outgrowth of a plant root that absorbs water and minerals from the soil. Root hairs are tubular extensions of the epidermis that greatly increase the surface area of the root. They are constantly dying off and being replaced by new ones as the root grows and extends itself into the soil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of root hair¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The halo-like zone of the rhizosphere extends from a few millimeters to a centimeter or so around every single root and root hair.

From Nautilus

The extent of the root-hair region will vary according to the vigour and development of the roots and the nature of the soil.

From Project Gutenberg

Better, an artificial root hair may be made in the following way.

From Project Gutenberg

The interior of the root hair is more or less filled with a fluid called cell sap.

From Project Gutenberg

When placed in water, it gives a very accurate picture of the root hair at work.

From Project Gutenberg

The fluid in the root hair is denser than the soil water; hence the greater flow is toward the interior of the root hair.

From Project Gutenberg