rhizome

[rahy-zohm] /ˈraɪ zoʊm/
noun, Botany
1.
a rootlike subterranean stem, commonly horizontal in position, that usually produces roots below and sends up shoots progressively from the upper surface.
Origin of rhizome
1835-45; < New Latin rhizoma < Greek rhízōma root, stem, noun of result from rhizoûn to fix firmly, take root, derivative of rhíza root1
Related forms
rhizomatous
[rahy-zom-uh-tuh s, -zoh-muh-] /raɪˈzɒm ə təs, -ˈzoʊ mə-/ (Show IPA), adjective
Examples from the web for rhizome
  • With a knife, cut the parent rhizome into segments so each has its own leaf fan.
  • Powdered rhizome has been considered particularly effective against parasitic worms.
British Dictionary definitions for rhizome

rhizome

/ˈraɪzəʊm/
noun
1.
a thick horizontal underground stem of plants such as the mint and iris whose buds develop new roots and shoots Also called rootstock, rootstalk
Derived Forms
rhizomatous (raɪˈzɒmətəs; -ˈzəʊ-) adjective
Word Origin
C19: from New Latin rhizoma, from Greek, from rhiza a root
Word Origin and History for rhizome
n.

1832, from Modern Latin rhizoma, from Greek rhizoma "mass of tree roots," from rhizoun "cause to strike root, root into the ground, plant," from rhiza "root," probably from PIE *wrad- "branch, root" (cf. Latin radix "root," Old Norse rot "root," Old English wyrt "plant, herb;" see radish).

rhizome in Science
rhizome
(rī'zōm')

A plant stem that grows horizontally under or along the ground and often sends out roots and shoots. New plants develop from the shoots. Ginger, iris, and violets have rhizomes. Also called rootstock. Compare bulb, corm, runner, tuber.