taproot

/ˌtæpˈrut/

Other forms: taproots

Definitions of taproot

1. noun

   (botany) main root of a plant growing straight downward from the stem
   type of:

   root

   (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
2. noun

   something that provides an important central source for growth or development
   “the taproot of his resentment”

   “genius and insanity spring from the same taproot”

   type of:

   germ, seed, source

   anything that provides inspiration for later work