primary root

noun

, Botany.

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

primary root

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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary root¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Sometimes there’s a single water source and a “primary root ball” with a big bundle of rhizomorphs.

From Washington Post

“We simply have to change our perspective, no longer reject the Indian, the Indigenous, because at the end of the day that is our primary root, followed by the European, the Spanish, and many people don’t know, also the Asian, African and Middle Eastern roots.”

From Los Angeles Times

Countless surveys show money is a primary root cause for depression and stress, and that’s in the best of times.

From Seattle Times

“The primary root cause of the misconduct was the concentration of all authority in Mr. Ghosn,” the report said.

From New York Times

The committee, which has been scrutinizing Nissan’s corporate governance since the start of the year, said in its report that the concentration of all authority on Ghosn was the primary root cause of the misconduct.

From Reuters