taproot

Everyday

1. A taproot is a large main root that grows straight down into the ground, with smaller roots growing off it. tree →
2. Carrots, parsnips, radishes and dandelions have taproots. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on plants it is compared with fibrous roots (many thin roots, like grass). A taproot anchors the plant and reaches water deep down; in carrots and beetroot it also stores food, which is why we eat it. Phrases: «a long taproot», «taproot and fibrous roots».

Examples

• A carrot is a taproot that stores food. tree →
• Dandelions are hard to pull up because of their long taproot. tree →
• Grass has fibrous roots, but a carrot has a taproot. tree →
• The oak tree's taproot grows deep to find water. tree →
• Draw a taproot and label the side roots. tree →
• Parsnips and radishes are taproots too. tree →

Note

Countable; one word (sometimes «tap root»). Opposite type: fibrous roots. A taproot is still a root, not a stem, even when we eat it.