What are root vegetables commonly referred to as?

Root vegetables are commonly referred to as "tubers" because they are specifically modified structures that store nutrients and energy for the plant. Tubers develop underground and serve as a means of vegetative reproduction as well as storage. Examples of tubers include potatoes and yams. These structures are distinguished from other plant parts, such as roots, stems, and bulbs.

While the term "roots" may also be applicable since root vegetables do generally come from the root systems of plants, "tubers" is the more precise term that captures the unique characteristics of these edible items. Stems refer to the above-ground parts of the plant that support leaves and flowers, and bulbs are underground storage organs comprised of layered leaves, such as onions and garlic. Thus, the distinction lies in the storage function and structure of tubers in comparison to other plant types.