rhizome

noun

rhi·​zome ˈrī-ˌzōm How to pronounce rhizome (audio)
: a somewhat elongated usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is often thickened by deposits of reserve food material, produces shoots above and roots below, and is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves
rhizomic
rī-ˈzō-mik How to pronounce rhizome (audio)
-ˈzä-
adjective

Examples of rhizome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plants grow from a thick rhizome and spread to form dense clumps that benefit from late summer division every few years. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 Mint spreads by rhizomes, and a garden bed with deep edging will prevent most escapees. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 For weeds with trailing rhizomes like creeping Charlie, work your fingers beneath the rhizomes and remove as much of the trailing stems as possible. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 Founded in 1995, Swiss Perfection’s star ingredient is Cellular Active Irisa, extracted from the rhizome of the Iris germanica flower. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for rhizome

Word History

Etymology

New Latin rhizomat-, rhizoma, from Greek rhizōmat-, rhizōma mass of roots, from rhizoun to cause to take root, from rhiza root — more at root

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhizome was in 1833

Cite this Entry

“Rhizome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhizome. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

rhizome

noun
rhi·​zome ˈrī-ˌzōm How to pronounce rhizome (audio)
: a rootlike, often thickened, and usually horizontal underground plant stem that produces shoots above and roots below

Medical Definition

rhizome

noun
rhi·​zome ˈrī-ˌzōm How to pronounce rhizome (audio)
: a usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves

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