arrowroot

American  

[ar-oh-root, -root] / ˈær oʊˌrut, -ˌrʊt /

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.

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arrowroot British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of arrowroot

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

Explanation

Arrowroot is a plant that's used to make a cooking starch also called arrowroot. Some soups and puddings are thickened with arrowroot. The plant known as arrowroot has small white flowers and fruit that resembles currants. Arrowroot is primarily grown for its root, though, which is washed, peeled, and beaten until all the starchy liquid comes out. When this liquid dries completely, it's the white powder you can find in the supermarket labeled arrowroot. The name allegedly comes from an old medicinal use of arrowroot, drawing poison from dart or arrow wounds.

Example Sentences

“We have been building our inventory to include more ingredients for DIY projects, like citric acid powder and arrowroot powder.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2023

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, arrowroot or cornstarch, and water.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2022

That's why most recipes with cooked fruit fillings, such as those in a crumble, cobbler, or pie, call for either cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2021

He saw unfamiliar shapes in the waves: tresses waving at the surface, animals that dove to great depths and seas of pia, the Polynesian name for the white tuber called arrowroot.

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2021

“Be-lah-belah-belah-belah!” said Barbara, crooning gently as she continued to eat her arrowroot biscuit.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers