arrowroot

[ ar-oh-root, -root ]

noun

1. a tropical American plant, Maranta arundinacea, the rhizomes of which yield a nutritious starch.
2. the starch itself.
3. any of several other plants yielding a similar starch.
4. the starch of these plants, used in cooking as a binder or thickener.

arrowroot

/ ˈærəʊˌruːt /

noun

1. a white-flowered West Indian plant, Maranta arundinacea, whose rhizomes yield an easily digestible starch: family Marantaceae
2. the starch obtained from this plant
3. any of several other plants whose rhizomes or roots yield starch

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrowroot¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; so called from use of its root in treatment of wounds made by poisoned arrows

Example Sentences

This is an esculent resembling arrowroot, which they dig, pulverize, and use as flour.

From Project Gutenberg

The arrowroot and another plant pushed up heaven, and "the heaven-pushing place" is still known and pointed out.

From Project Gutenberg

He had not slept since his attack, and could take no other nourishment than a little broth and a spoonful or two of arrowroot.

From Project Gutenberg

I prepared a little arrowroot, of which he took three or four spoonfuls, saying it was very good, but could take no more.

From Project Gutenberg

The starchy materials generally used for this purpose are plain flour, browned flour, corn starch, and arrowroot flour.

From Project Gutenberg