soaproot
|soap-root|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈsoʊpˌruːt/
🇬🇧
/ˈsəʊpˌruːt/
plant root used as soap
Etymology
Etymology Information
'soaproot' is a compound word in English, formed from 'soap' and 'root', where 'soap' refers to a cleansing agent and 'root' refers to the underground part of a plant.
Historical Evolution
'soaproot' was formed in English by combining the words 'soap' and 'root' to describe plants whose roots can be used as soap.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred specifically to plants with roots that could be used as soap, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a plant, especially of the genus Chlorogalum, whose root contains saponins and can be used as a soap substitute.
Native Americans used soaproot to wash their hands and clothes.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/09 05:01