coleorhiza

 
Pronunciation: /ˌkɒlɪə(ʊ)ˈrʌɪzə/

noun (plural coleorhizae /-ˈrʌɪziː/)

Botany
  • a sheath protecting the root of a germinating grass or cereal grain.

Origin:

mid 19th century: from koleos 'sheath' + rhiza 'root'