rootunit
nounUK /ˈruːtˌjuːnɪt/
US /ˈruːtˌjuːnɪt/
A rootunit is the smallest main part that other parts grow from.
The teacher showed us the rootunit of the big word.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The main building block of a system.
Each rootunit in the machine can be replaced on its own.
3. The first unit in a series that others are built on.
Start with the rootunit, then add the extra pieces.
4. A basic part of a word that carries its main meaning.
In 'helpful', the rootunit is 'help'.