rhizome
rhi.zome \'ri--.zo-m\ \ri--'zo--mik, -'sa:m-ik\ n [NL rhizomat-, rhizoma, fr. Gk rhizo-mat-, rhizo-ma)X mass of roots, fr. rhizoun to cause to take root, fr. rhiza root - more at ROOT : a somewhat elongate usu. horizontal subterraneous plant stem that is oft en 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 usu. scalelike leaves - rhi.zo.mic aj