arrowroot

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

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.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of arrowroot

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

Words nearby arrowroot

arrondissement, arrow, arrow arum, arrowgrass, arrowhead, arrowroot, arrows, arrowsmith, arrowwood, arrowworm, arrowy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for arrowroot

British Dictionary definitions for arrowroot

arrowroot
/ (ˈærəʊˌruːt) /

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