RHIZOME

[rhi.zome] n [NL rhizomat-, rhizoma, fr. Gk rhizomat-, rhizoma mass of roots, fr. rhizoun to cause to take root, fr. rhiza root--more at root] (1845): a somewhat elongate usu. 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 usu. scalelike leaves -- rhi.zo.mic adj