: 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
Examples of rhizome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Another distinction is made between bulbous irises and rhizome irises, which have two different root and energy storage structures.
—
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Peony roots do need to be kept moist so make sure to utilize several inches of mulch to cover their shallow rhizomes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025
Small patches of this plant increase in size through the expansion of the rhizome system.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Full to Partial Shade Soil Type: Well Draining, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
Not as aggressive as its Japanese counterpart, Allegheny spurge is a native, herbaceous perennial groundcover that slowly spreads by rhizomes to form a dense colony.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhizome
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Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Peony roots do need to be kept moist so make sure to utilize several inches of mulch to cover their shallow rhizomes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025
Small patches of this plant increase in size through the expansion of the rhizome system.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Full to Partial Shade Soil Type: Well Draining, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
Not as aggressive as its Japanese counterpart, Allegheny spurge is a native, herbaceous perennial groundcover that slowly spreads by rhizomes to form a dense colony.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rhizome
Cite this Entry
“Rhizome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhizome. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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