Webster's English Dictionary

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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