cassava

American  

[kuh-sah-vuh] / kəˈsɑ və /

noun

1. any of several tropical American plants belonging to the genus Manihot, of the spurge family, as M. esculenta bitter cassava and M. dulcis sweet cassava, cultivated for their tuberous roots, which yield important food products.

2. a nutritious starch from the roots, the source of tapioca.

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cassava British  

/ kəˈsɑːvə /

noun

1. Also called: manioc.  any tropical euphorbiaceous plant of the genus Manihot, esp the widely cultivated American species M. esculenta (or utilissima ) ( bitter cassava ) and M. dulcis ( sweet cassava )

2. a starch derived from the root of this plant: an important food in the tropics and a source of tapioca

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Etymology

Origin of cassava

First recorded in 1545–55; from Spanish cazabe “cassava bread or meal,” from Taíno caçábi

Explanation

Cassava is a starchy tuber that comes from a South American shrub of the same name. In tropical countries, cassava is a common staple food. The most cassava is grown and eaten in Nigeria, and it's popular in many places because it grows even when there's not much rain or the soil is poor. Experts estimate that 800 million people depend on cassava. It has to be properly prepared to be safely eaten, either cooked like potatoes or ground into a coarse meal or fine flour. Tapioca, a starch found in pudding and bubble tea, is also made from cassava.

Example Sentences

"Cassava is one of the most strategic assets in our agricultural portfolio," Vice President Kashim Shettima said in July.

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

Science reported last year that City University of New York neuroscientist Hoau-Yan Wang—co-discoverer of the experimental compound—was found by a university panel to have engaged in “egregious misconduct” associated with his work for Cassava.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 25, 2024

Cassava fritters, cassava fries, cassava cakes … cassava's possibilities are nearly endless.

From Salon • May 6, 2024

The drug, simufilam, is made by Cassava Sciences, a pharmaceutical company based in Texas.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2023

They seemed to prefer foraging about flowers of the Tree Cassava.

From Birds from North Borneo University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Volume 17, No. 8, pp. 377-433, October 27, 1966 by Thompson, Max C.