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

According to Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology archaeologist Jian-Hui Liu and colleagues, all 35 tools seem to have been designed, crafted, and used to harvest plants—specifically, the rhizomes, bulb-like corms, and other underground organs that many plants use to store nutrients. —ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025

Mint is a herb that is notorious for spreading quickly via rhizomes, which are underground runners, and can overtake other plants. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 2 July 2025

This low-mounding shade perennial sends up taller, slender stems with airy flower clusters, and the ground cover spreads by slowly creeping rhizomes. —Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025

Plants spread by rhizome to produce a soft dense mat. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 June 2025

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