arrowroot

[ar-oh-root, -roo t]

noun

a tropical American plant, Maranta arundinacea, the rhizomes of which yield a nutritious starch.
the starch itself.
any of several other plants yielding a similar starch.

the starch of these plants, used in cooking as a binder or thickener.

Origin of arrowroot

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for arrowroot

Historical Examples of arrowroot

When it thickens, add the arrowroot, also mixed smoothly with milk.
The Skilful Cook
Mary Harrison
She was taking him the arrowroot which I had ordered over-night.
The Stark Munro Letters
J. Stark Munro
Please send some fever medicine, by the bearer, and some arrowroot.
The Young Franc Tireurs
G. A. Henty
The flour grated from the mass should be used the same as arrowroot or rice.'
The Physical Life of Woman:
Dr. George H Napheys
The best hats are made of the stalks of the arrowroot plant.
The Life of Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson
Nellie van De Grift Sanchez

British Dictionary definitions for arrowroot

arrowroot

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for arrowroot

1690s, from arrow + root (n.). So called because it was used to absorb toxins from poison-dart wounds.