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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This attractive tree is perfect for a mini orchard, reaching 8 to 15 feet tall, depending on the rootstock. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026 In recent years, tomato varieties grafted onto bacterial wilt resistant rootstocks are becoming increasingly available. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Meanwhile, other promising solutions — such as transgenic rootstocks engineered for HLB resistance — face longer, more burdensome approval pathways, even when the end result may be equally safe. Henry I. Miller, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2026 Jury is toying with grafting some rootstock to white varieties to supplement the chardonnay from Spanish Springs. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Rootstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rootstock. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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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