rootling

English

Etymology 1

Verb

rootling

1. present participle and gerund of rootle

Etymology 2

From root +‎ -ling.

Noun

rootling (plural rootlings)

1. A small or miniature root; a rootlet.
2. a plantling just beginning to root.
   • 1928, Victoria. Dept. of Agriculture, The Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria - Volume 25 - Page 417:

     Coming to actual plantation, we are confronted by the question whether a cutting or a rootling is to be prepared.

   • 1981 April 18, Nancy Walker, “I'm A Nut”, in Gay Community News, page 13:

     Our little 69¢ gem really took off and outgrew its pot. My sother separated and transplanted it. Now there were several pots (we had given little rootlings away to special friends in Toronto too) and the plant was doing strong.

   • 1992, Bryan George Coombe, Peter R. Dry, Viticulture:

     Ideally, rootlings should have several major roots spreading in different directions and several shoots, 4-5 mm thick and 20 cm […]