I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: tap (I) + root
1. : a root having a prominent central portion, growing vertically downward, and giving off small lateral roots in succession — compare fibrous root
2. : one that resembles a taproot in having a deep-lying central position in any line of growth or development
intuitive faculty of going to the taproot of his subject — H.W.Wells
principle which has been the taproot of the American belief in education — W.R.Steckel
bosses and machines have sprung from the same taproot — Louise Young
3. : the first recognized female ancestor of a horse and especially of a Thoroughbred
II. intransitive verb
: to put forth a taproot