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

Scientists have found a plant gene that drives the growth of root hairs, the tiny structures that help plants find water and nutrients in the soil.

From Science Daily

This particular genus is small and slow, and bears a striking resemblance to plant root hairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Often, scientists can get the cellular masses to produce fine root hairs, but the shoots have proved particularly problematic.

From Nature

Priorities are to develop joint sampling protocols and a common language across physics, soil science and biology, along with skills in image analysis, spatial statistics and modelling at scales from root hairs to whole-root systems.

From Nature

Once the tree roots reach the edge, the leading root hairs grow through but then are pinched by the fabric.

From Washington Post