rootstock

noun

root·​stock ˈrüt-ˌstäk How to pronounce rootstock (audio)
ˈru̇t-
1
: a rhizomatous underground part of a plant
2
: a stock for grafting consisting of a root or a piece of root
broadly : stock sense 7b

Examples of rootstock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Because of this, wineries like Alta Vista were able to maintain their old vines with original rootstocks, no grafting necessary. Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 In the wake of the epidemic, European grapevines were grafted onto American rootstock to shield the vines from the little creatures and prevent a repeat of the scourge. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2024 Trees and vines have been grown on rootstocks for centuries because the traits needed to grow strong, healthy roots can be combined with a desirable fruiting variety that is grafted on top. Steven Savage, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 One of the great advances in apple breeding in the past few decades has been the widespread use of dwarf rootstocks. Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rootstock 

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rootstock was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near rootstock

Cite this Entry

“Rootstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rootstock. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rootstock

noun
root·​stock ˈrüt-ˌstäk How to pronounce rootstock (audio)
ˈru̇t-
1
2
: a root or part of a root to which an aboveground plant part is grafted

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