root crop
/'ru:t'krɔp/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A plant cultivated primarily for its edible, enlarged root or underground stem structure that serves as a storage organ. These crops are harvested for their roots, tubers, or corms, which are rich in carbohydrates and nutrients.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Potatoes and carrots are common root crops grown in temperate climates.
- Farmers rotate root crops with legumes to maintain soil health.
- The market price for root crops like turnips and beets has increased this season.
Advanced Usage
- "to grow as a root crop": to cultivate a plant specifically for its edible root.
- Cassava is primarily grown as a root crop in tropical regions.
- "staple root crop": a root crop that forms a fundamental part of the basic diet.
- The yam is a staple root crop in many West African countries.
Variants and Related Words
- Root vegetable (n): A term often used interchangeably with "root crop" in culinary contexts, though it can include some plants where the root is not the primary storage organ in a strict botanical sense.
- Parsnips and radishes are popular root vegetables.
- Tuber crop (n): A specific type of root crop where the edible part is a tuber, such as a potato or yam.
- The potato is the world's most important tuber crop.
Synonyms
- Tuber: Specifically refers to a thickened underground part of a stem, like a potato.
- Bulb crop: Refers to crops grown for their bulbs, such as onions, which are botanically different but often grouped in agricultural discussions.
Related Phrases
- Root crop production: The agricultural practice of growing root crops.
- Root crop production requires well-drained soil.
- Root crop harvest: The act or season of gathering root crops.
- The root crop harvest begins in late autumn.
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms that feature the specific term "root crop." The term is primarily technical and agricultural.)
Noun
- crop grown for its enlarged roots: e.g. beets; potatoes; turnips