rrënjën

rrënjën is the Albanian definite form of rrënjë, a term that primarily means root. The word is used in several related senses: in botany to denote the underground part of a plant that anchors it and absorbs water and minerals; in linguistics to refer to the core morpheme of a word from which other forms are built; and in mathematics to describe the square root of a number. Beyond these literal senses, rrënjë is also used metaphorically to denote origin, source, or fundamental basis of something.

In botany, the root (rrënjë) is essential for stability and nutrient uptake. It often splits into a primary root and a system of smaller roots or root hairs that increase surface area for absorption. Roots may also store carbohydrates and interact with soil organisms, playing a key role in plant health and growth.

In linguistics, rrënjë denotes the base element of a word to which affixes may be attached. It carries the core lexical meaning, while prefixes, suffixes, and inflectional endings modify it to express different grammatical or semantic functions.

In mathematics, rrënja katrore, or the square root, is the number that, when multiplied by itself, yields the original number. This usage is common in Albanian mathematical language and education.

The term also appears in idiomatic and scholarly expressions, such as referring to the origin or historical roots of a culture, idea, or phenomenon. Etymologically, rrënjë is a longstanding word in Albanian, linked to the broader notion of grounding and origin in the language.