ROOTBOUND

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rootbound mean? 

• ROOTBOUND (adjective)
  The adjective ROOTBOUND has 2 senses:

1. (of a potted plant) grown too large for its container resulting in matting or tangling of the roots
2. having the roots matted or densely tangled

  Familiarity information: ROOTBOUND used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ROOTBOUND (adjective)

Meaning:

(of a potted plant) grown too large for its container resulting in matting or tangling of the roots

Synonyms:

potbound; rootbound

Similar:

planted (set in the soil for growth)

Meaning:

Having the roots matted or densely tangled

Context example:

shaggy untended lawns of old trees and rootbound scented flowers and shrubs

Similar:

tangled (in a confused mass)