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rhizosphere

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈraɪzoʊˌsfɪr/

KK: /ˈraɪzoʊˌsfɪr/

noun
Definition

The area of soil that is around plant roots and is affected by them.


Example

The health of the rhizosphere is crucial for plant growth and nutrient uptake.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that plants have a special area called the rhizosphere?
Sloth B
Really? What exactly is that?
Sloth A
It's the soil zone that surrounds their roots and helps them grow.
Sloth B
That sounds so interesting! I never thought about how much soil affects plants.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rootzone
soil
substrate
Antonyms
aerial
surface
overhead
Root Explanation

Rhizosphere → It is formed from "rhizo-" (from Greek "rhiza", meaning root) and "sphere" (from Greek "sphaira", meaning ball or globe). The word "rhizosphere" refers to the region of soil that is influenced by the roots of plants, creating a sphere of biological activity around them.

Memory Tip

Think of 'roots' ('rhizo-') creating a 'sphere' ('sphere') of life in the soil — that's what the rhizosphere is all about.

Visually Confused Words
archisphere
zoosphere
biosphere
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