Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

taproot

/ˈtæpˌɹuːt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.92 in modern English

Syllables: tap-root
IPA: /ˈtæpˌɹuːt/

9

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A long, tapering root, exhibited by many plant species (such as carrots and dandelions).

Example Sentences

"The taproots of trees like the false acacia, growing between Park Royal and Alperton, thrust deeply into the ground, while the spreading roots of the silver birch stitch the soil."
"Above the lower headcut, phreatophytic mesquite and little leaf sumac hug the banks, drawing pendulate water from the silts remaining from former marsh deposits and sending long taproots into channel stores."
"On the other hand, those who are compelled by a single strong desire are obsessed with a well-defined problem, which touches the taproot of their soul. They are on the attack, on the move."

Etymology

From tap + root. The oldest use (by Philemon Holland) is spaced as tap root. In the 18th and 19th centuries the standard spelling was tap-root.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈtæpˌɹuːt/

Inflected Forms

taproots (plural)

Derived Forms

taprooted

Phrases

taproot text

Questions

How do you pronounce taproot?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈtæpˌɹuːt/.
What does taproot mean?: A long, tapering root, exhibited by many plant species (such as carrots and dandelions).
Where does taproot come from?: From tap + root. The oldest use (by Philemon Holland) is spaced as tap root. In the 18th and 19th centuries the standard spelling was tap-root.

How to pronounce taproot

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “taproot”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈtæpˌɹuːt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “taproot”.
Repeat and practice — Say “taproot” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.