How Do You Spell RHIZOME?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪzə͡ʊm] (IPA)

Rhizome is a word that refers to a type of plant stem that grows underground and produces roots and shoots. The correct spelling is /ˈraɪzəʊm/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "rhizo-" part of the word is derived from the Greek word rhízōma, meaning "mass of roots," and the "-ome" ending indicates a structure or group of parts. The "z" sound is represented by the letter "z" instead of "s" because it is pronounced like a voiced fricative, similar to the "z" sound in "zoo."

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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RHIZOME Meaning and Definition

  1. A rhizome is a horizontal underground stem or branch that grows horizontally beneath the soil surface. It has nodes and internodes which produce roots and shoots respectively. Its name is derived from the Greek word "rhiza" meaning "root." Rhizomes are typically found in perennial plants, such as bamboo, ginger, and some grasses.

    One of the defining characteristics of a rhizome is its ability to send out new shoots and roots from its nodes, enabling it to spread and propagate vegetatively. This unique growth habit allows rhizomatous plants to colonize large areas and form dense patches or colonies. The horizontal growth of rhizomes helps them to absorb nutrients and water efficiently from a wide area of soil, contributing to their ability to thrive in diverse environments.

    Rhizomes are known for their role in vegetative propagation, as they can produce new individuals through a process called rhizome division. This is often seen in gardening practices where sections of rhizomes are severed and replanted to establish new plants. The division of rhizomes serves as an effective way of plant propagation, ensuring genetic continuity and the expansion of plant populations.

    Overall, rhizomes play a crucial role in the growth, spread, and propagation of certain plants, making them a vital part of botanical diversity and plant ecology.

  2. In botany, a subterraneous stem, or one lying on the surface, which sends up aerial shoots or branches.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. In bot., a thick stem running along and partly under ground, and sending forth shoots above and roots below.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RHIZOME

Etymology of RHIZOME

The word "rhizome" comes from the Greek word "rhizoma", which means "rootstalk" or "mass of roots". It is derived from the Greek word "rhiza", meaning "root". The term was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe the horizontally growing underground stem or root system of certain plants, characterized by sending out roots and shoots from its nodes.

Plural form of RHIZOME is RHIZOMES

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Correct spelling for rhizome
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