rhizome

noun

rhi·​zome ˈrī-ˌzōm 

: 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 

-ˈzä-

adjective

Examples of rhizome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Propagating Begonias from Stem Cuttings Rooting stem (rhizome) cuttings can be a faster process than leaf cuttings. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025

The efficacy and safety of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract in outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

The spice comes from the rhizome, the root of a tree that’s traditionally grown in Asia. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024

Sympodial orchids grow from a rhizome or bulb and have multiple root systems. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024

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

Rhymes for rhizome

• biome
• genome
• megohm
• nichrome
• noisome
• prodrome
• radome
• shalom
• syndrome
• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb

Kids Definition

rhizome

noun

rhi·​zome ˈrī-ˌzōm 

: 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 

: a usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is distinguished from a true root in possessing buds, nodes, and usually scalelike leaves