English

Verb

rootling

1. present participle 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.

   • 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 [...]