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racine

root

noun rah-SEEN Less Common

Usage Note

Racine can be a plant root, a mathematical square root (racine carrée), or the origin of a word. The idiom prendre racine means to put down roots in a place or, humorously, to stay so long you won't leave. The vegetable raifort (horseradish) literally means 'strong root'.

Examples

"Les racines de cet arbre sont profondes."

Natural Translation

The roots of this tree are deep.

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