Final answer:
The root 'carn-' does not represent something edible. It is derived from the Latin 'carnis' and relates to meat or flesh, unlike 'mel-' which relates to honey and 'sal-' which is related to salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root carn- does not represent something edible. It comes from the Latin carnis meaning 'flesh' and is used in words related to meat or flesh, such as 'carnivore' (an animal that eats meat) or 'carnal' (pertaining to the body or flesh). It is not used to describe food that can be consumed, making it the correct answer to which root does not represent something edible.
In contrast, the roots mel- and sal- are related to edible substances. 'Mel-' comes from the Greek mel meaning 'honey' and is found in words like 'mellifluous'. 'Sal-' is derived from the Latin word sal meaning 'salt' and appears in words such as 'saline' (related to or containing salt). The root 'lav-' does not have a direct link to food as such but is not specifically related to non-edible items either; it comes from the Latin lavare meaning 'to wash'.