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

Arrowroot powder replaces eggs in this five-minute and five-ingredient pudding, which you can vary to make Mexican or ginger-y.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2021

Arrowroot noodles are all about the texture; flavor comes from the remarkably clean-tasting and balanced beef broth, which you can adjust with hot mustard and vinegar.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2014

Arrowroot and cornstarch can be used interchangeably as thickeners.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2010

Arrowroot Gruel.—Dissolve half a teaspoonful of sugar and a quarter of a teaspoonful of salt in a cupful of water and heat.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Arrowroot is cultivated in the interior of East Florida with great success.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by Simmonds, P. L.