Taproot
/TAP-root/🔬 Anatomy● Basic
Also known as: primary root
A primary root that grows directly downward from the radicle, becoming the dominant root of the plant. Taproots can penetrate deep into the soil, accessing water and nutrients unavailable to shallow-rooted plants. Trees with taproots (like oaks and walnuts) are more wind-resistant but harder to transplant when mature. Many vegetables (carrots, parsnips, turnips) are harvested taproots.
Etymology
Old English tæppa (tap, stopper) + rot (root)
Example
“Dandelions are notoriously difficult to remove because their taproot can extend 10 inches or more into the soil.”