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root hair
noun
: a filamentous extension of an epidermal cell near the tip of a rootlet that functions in absorption of water and minerals see seedling illustration
Examples of root hair in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Planting in Autumn Planting in autumn allows the peony to grow fine root hairs and be ready for spring growth without relying on energy stored in the root to survive.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024
Beyond that, an almost 2 1/2-pound carrot with long, scraggly root hairs sat across from a slightly heftier tomato with clusters of small, wart-like appendages.
—Emily Mesner, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Sep. 2023
This particular genus is small and slow, and bears a striking resemblance to plant root hairs.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2023
No bacteria, no root hairs!
—Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Apr. 2023
Along with the seven members, Siwa celebrated their spunk with rainbow hair tinsel and to-the-root hair gems.
—Chelsea Avila, Allure, 24 Aug. 2022
Once the tree roots reach the edge, the leading root hairs grow through but then are pinched by the fabric.
—Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, 20 Dec. 2017
When your plant is transplanted, it can be stressed if there is damage to root hairs, as this will impede water absorption until the plant can replace them.
—Rita Perwich, sandiegouniontribune.com, 5 Oct. 2017
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Word History
First Known Use
1841, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near root hair
Cite this Entry
“Root hair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20hair. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
root hair
noun
: one of the threadlike outgrowths near the tip of a rootlet that function in absorption of water and minerals
More from Merriam-Webster on root hair
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about root hair
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