Definition of Root word

1. Noun. (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed. "Thematic vowels are part of the stem"

Exact synonyms: Base, Radical, Root, Stem, Theme
Category relationships: Linguistics
Generic synonyms: Descriptor, Form, Signifier, Word Form
Derivative terms: Stem, Stem

Definition of Root word

1. Noun. A prefix in an English word derived from Greek or Latin. ¹

2. Noun. (alternative form of root) It is the primary lexical unit of a word, which carries the most significant aspects of semantic content and cannot be reduced into smaller constituents. Inflectional stems often derive from roots. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Root Word

root positions
root pressure
root resorption
root rot
root rots
root sheath
root sprout
root system
root up
root vegetable
root vegetables
root vole
root voles
root word
root words
rootage
rootages
rootball
rootbeer
rootbeers
rootbound
rootcap
rootcaps
rooted
rooted(p)
rootedly

Literary usage of Root word

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Day One and Beyond: Practical Matters for New Middle-Level Teachersby Rick Wormeli by Rick Wormeli (2003)
"If they finish early, they are to work on their root word chart, ... Draw the following example Taboo card on the chalkboard: root word above the line ..."

2. A Language-study Based on Bantu: Or An Inquiry Into the Laws of Root by F. W. Kolbe (1888)
"No true root-word stands isolated in language; it is a member of a family, ... We have thus, in universal etymology, to treat a root-word as in affinity and ..."

3. Word Savvy: Integrated Vocabulary, Spelling & Word Study, Grades 3-6 by Max Brand (2004)
"... locate and think about the root word in the context of what they are reading. When I think about what is basic to a speller who is developing knowledge ..."

4. New Word-analysis, Or, School Etymology of English Derivative Words: With by William Swinton (1879)
"Sometimes several radicals from the same root-word are used, the different radicals being taken from different grammatical forms of the root-word. ..."

5. New Word-analysis, Or, School Etymology of English Derivative Words: With by William Swinton (1879)
"4. A radical is a word or a part of a word used in forming English derivatives. 5. Sometimes several radicals from the same root-word are ..."

6. The Antiquarian (1871)
"The Hebrew word Tarshish is well identified, and can only be rightly understood as connected with the maritime dominions of Phoenicia ; the root word is ..."

7. New Word-analysis, Or, School Etymology of English Derivative Words: With by William Swinton (1879)
"5, Sometimes several radicals from the same root-word are used, the different radicals being taken from different grammatical forms of the root-word. ..."

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