What is the definition of "root" in linguistic terms?

In linguistic terms, the definition of "root" refers to a morpheme from which other words are formed. The root is the core part of a word that contains its primary meaning and can stand alone or be combined with prefixes and suffixes to create new words. For example, in the word "unhappiness," "happy" is the root; it conveys the main concept but can be modified by adding the prefix "un-" and the suffix "-ness" to shift its meaning or grammatical role. Understanding the root is fundamental in linguistics because it helps in deciphering the meanings of related words and root relationships. This knowledge is especially useful when encountering unfamiliar words, as recognizing the root can provide insights into their meanings.