root,
n.
1. a value that satisfies or solves a given equation. The roots of a polynomial or functional equation are the zeros of the corresponding polynomial or function, but this distinction is not always observed. See also Descartes' rule of signs, Newton's method. 2. also called radical. in particular, a number or polynomial a given integral power of which equals a given number or polynomial; if the required power is n, it is the nth root. See radical sign. 3. a vertex or node of a tree that is uniquely distinguished as the origin; the unique point that is the initial member of the ancestral of every vertex and of every maximal chain of elements of the tree. The node O in the fragment of a tree shown below is its root, since under the relation that generates the tree, every node can be traced back to O as shown by the bold line.
Root.
(sense 3). O is the root of the tree.
1. a value that satisfies or solves a given equation. The roots of a polynomial or functional equation are the zeros of the corresponding polynomial or function, but this distinction is not always observed. See also Descartes' rule of signs, Newton's method. 2. also called radical. in particular, a number or polynomial a given integral power of which equals a given number or polynomial; if the required power is n, it is the nth root. See radical sign. 3. a vertex or node of a tree that is uniquely distinguished as the origin; the unique point that is the initial member of the ancestral of every vertex and of every maximal chain of elements of the tree. The node O in the fragment of a tree shown below is its root, since under the relation that generates the tree, every node can be traced back to O as shown by the bold line.