root

Definition (noun): (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground

Definition (noun): the place where something begins, where it springs into being

Example: the Italian beginning of the Renaissance

Definition (noun): the place where something begins, where it springs into being

Example: Jupiter was the origin of the radiation

Definition (noun): the place where something begins, where it springs into being

Example: Pittsburgh is the source of the Ohio River

Definition (noun): the place where something begins, where it springs into being

Example: communism’s Russian root

Definition (noun): (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

Example: thematic vowels are part of the stem

Definition (noun): a number that, when multiplied by itself some number of times, equals a given number

Definition (noun): the set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation

Definition (noun): someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

Definition (noun): a simple form inferred as the common basis from which related words in several languages can be derived by linguistic processes

Definition (noun): the embedded part of a bodily structure such as a tooth, nail, or hair

Definition (verb): take root and begin to grow

Example: this plant roots quickly

Definition (verb): come into existence, originate

Example: The problem roots in her depression

Definition (verb): cheer for

Example: She roots for the Broncos

Definition (verb): plant by the roots

Definition (verb): dig with the snout

Example: the pig was rooting for truffles

Definition (verb): become settled or established and stable in one’s residence or life style

Example: He finally settled down