rhizoid

[ rahy-zoid ]

adjective

1. rootlike.

noun

1. (in mosses, ferns, etc.) one of the rootlike filaments by which the plant is attached to the substratum.

rhizoid

/ ˈraɪzɔɪd /

noun

1. any of various slender hairlike structures that function as roots in the gametophyte generation of mosses, ferns, and related plants

rhizoid

/ rī′zoid′ /

1. A slender, rootlike filament by which mosses, liverworts, and the gametophytes of ferns attach themselves to the material in which they grow.
2. A branching, rootlike extension by which algae and fungi absorb water and nutrients.

Derived Forms

• rhiˈzoidal, adjective

Other Words From

• rhi·zoidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhizoid¹

1855–60; rhiz- ( def ) + -oid

Example Sentences

There are no roots, but they have anchoring structures called rhizoids, which can reach down a few inches.

From Washington Post

In the lab, this moss sent out new shoots from its rootlike "rhizoids," the researchers report.

From Scientific American

C. lyra can grow up to 37cm long – impressive for a sponge – and are anchored to the sea-floor by a structure called a rhizoid, which looks like a root system.

From Scientific American

It sends some long cells into the soil to serve as root-like objects called “rhizoids” and lives long enough to do its job.

From Scientific American

True roots are never present, the plants being attached to the soil by rhizoids, which resemble the root-hairs of higher plants.

From Project Gutenberg