Glossary

Deutsch: Wurzel / Español: Raíz / Português: Raiz / Français: Racine / Italiano: Radice
In vascular plants, the root is the organ of a plant that typically lies below the surface of the soil. However, roots can also be aerial or aerating (growing up above the ground or especially above water). Furthermore, a stem normally occurring below ground is not exceptional either (see rhizome).Therefore, the root is best defined as the non-leaf, non-nodes bearing parts of the plant's body. However, important internal structural differences between stems and roots exist.

In the industrial context, the term 'root' is often used to refer to the underlying cause of a problem or issue. Identifying the root cause is an important step in problem-solving, as it allows organizations to address the underlying issue rather than just the symptoms.

Examples of 'root' in the industrial context include:

1. Root cause analysis: A methodical approach to identifying the underlying causes of a problem, often used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and aviation.

2. Root zone treatment: A process used in agriculture to improve soil health by addressing underlying soil issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances.

3. Root cause corrective action: A process used in quality management to address the underlying causes of defects or nonconformities in a product or process.

4. Root cutting: A technique used in plumbing and sewage systems to remove blockages caused by roots that have grown into pipes.

5. Root-cause failure analysis: A process used in maintenance and reliability engineering to identify the root cause of equipment failures.

Identifying and addressing the root cause of issues can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. It can also help organizations to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance safety and quality.