arrowroot

[ ar-oh-root, -root ]

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.

arrowroot

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrowroot¹

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

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

“We have been building our inventory to include more ingredients for DIY projects, like citric acid powder and arrowroot powder.”

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post

If gluten isn't part of your journey, reach for arrowroot, cornstarch or a GF-friendly flour alternative.

From Salon

The cook had provided a box of arrowroot cookies to go along with the tea.

From Literature