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

They were living in New York and had access to plenty of health food stores, farmers markets and ethnic stores where she easily could source things such as millet and sorghum flours, arrowroot and teff.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2023

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

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2022

It tends to be a little thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, though the difference is minimal so you'll still need a thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

From Salon • May 9, 2022

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

But every now and then, I longed to search for a tender stalk of arrowroot, to feel the tease of a mango, just out of reach.

From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate