rhizome

/ˈraɪzoʊm/
noun
  1. A horizontal underground stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes, allowing a plant to spread and survive through seasons.
    • Ginger is a rhizome that is used as a spice in cooking.
    • The bamboo rhizome can travel several feet underground before sending up new shoots.
    • Horticulturists often divide the rhizome to propagate the plant.
  2. A decentralized, interconnected network or structure, especially in philosophy or information theory.
    • The philosopher described knowledge as a rhizome, with ideas branching and connecting in unexpected ways.
    • Unlike a tree, a rhizome has no root or trunk, only endless connections.
    • The internet can be seen as a rhizome, with no single center of control.
Synonyms
What does "rhizome" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean