wapatoo

American  

[wop-uh-too] / ˈwɒp əˌtu /

noun

plural

wapatoos

1. an arrowhead plant, Sagittaria latifolia.

---

Etymology

Origin of wapatoo

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1800; from Chinook Jargon waptu, wappatoo; further origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The wapatoo still grows in the ponds and lagoons of the island.

From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by Lyman, William Denison

In the ponds grew the plant called the wapatoo, an onion-like root, very nutritious and palatable, and, with salmon, constituting the chief food of the natives.

From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by Lyman, William Denison

He can “root” like a hog, and will often plough up acres of prairie in search of the wapatoo and Indian turnip.

From The Hunters' Feast Conversations Around the Camp Fire by Reid, Mayne

Not only so, but the Multnomah Indians used the wapatoo as a commercial stock, carrying on regular trade with both the coast and the up-river tribes.

From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by Lyman, William Denison