a : the usually underground part of a seed plant body that originates usually from the hypocotyl, functions as an organ of absorption, aeration, and food storage or as a means of anchorage and support, and differs from a stem especially in lacking nodes, buds, and leaves
b: close relationship with an environment : TIE —usually used in plural
They put down roots in a farming community.
c: something that is an origin or source (as of a condition or quality)
… the love of money is the root of all evil …—1 Timothy 6:10 (King James Version)
d: one or more progenitors of a group of descendants —usually used in plural
