prop root

noun

, Botany.

1. an adventitious root that supports the plant, as the aerial roots of the mangrove tree or of corn.

prop root

noun

1. a root that grows from and supports the stem above the ground in plants such as mangroves

prop root

/ prŏp /

1. An aerial root that arises from a stem or trunk, penetrates the soil, and helps support the stem, as in mangroves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prop root¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Corn even has little prop roots at the base of the stalk to buttress it.

From Washington Post

If, by accident, the underground roots die off, the plant relies entirely on these air and prop roots for support and food.

From Project Gutenberg

Such roots become supporting or prop roots and are particularly conspicuous in several stout tall grasses such as Andropogon Sorghum, Zea Mays and Pennisetum typhoideum.

From Project Gutenberg

The strong prop roots are generally of the same diameter throughout, though sometimes they thicken at the ends.

From Project Gutenberg

Another very prominent feature of pandans is the presence of air or prop roots which grow from the stem above the ground and are helpful to the plant in various ways.

From Project Gutenberg