root system

American

[root sis-tuhm] / ˈrut ˌsɪs təm /

noun

Botany. the entire complex of large and small roots and root hairs of a plant.

root system Scientific

The configuration of a plant's various roots.
See more at fibrous root taproot

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

root systems

plural

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Federal investigators say the Lachman fire was deliberately set and had burned underground in a canyon root system until high winds rekindled it on Jan. 7.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

“The Osbournes” sits near the root system of celebreality’s Tree of Life, for richer or poorer.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2025

He told the BBC it was essential that they are well watered "to encourage a deep root system".

From BBC • May 1, 2025

This molecule activates a regulated cell death in plants, enabling the fungus to colonize the root system.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

Part of the root system dies and begins to decay.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023