tapioca

[ tap-ee-oh-kuh ]

noun

1. a food substance prepared from cassava in granular, flake, pellet pearl tapioca, or flour form, used in puddings, as a thickener, etc.

tapioca

/ ˌtæpɪˈəʊkə /

noun

1. a beadlike starch obtained from cassava root, used in cooking as a thickening agent, esp in puddings

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapioca¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Portuguese, from Tupi tipioca, more literally, “pulp squeezed out” (of cassava plants), from tipi “dregs, residue” + oca “to squeeze out”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapioca¹

C18: via Portuguese from Tupi tipioca pressed-out juice, from tipi residue + ok to squeeze out

Example Sentences

If the ingredients include things such as “organic tapioca starch” or “pea protein isolate,” or even natural coloring, you might reconsider.

From Los Angeles Times

It is overlaid with a gel created from tapioca starch and gelatin, which is ultrasoft and mimics the makeup of tissue itself.

From Science Daily

It has long flown under the radar in the form of tapioca, a cassava starch used in pudding and boba tea.

From Salon

Common ingredients used are corn or rice flour, xanthan gum, which acts as a binder and moisture holder, and tapioca starch, which is a good water absorbent and can aid with binding the dough.

From Salon

Made with tapioca starch, eggs, olive oil and mozzarella, these make an easy gluten-free option.

From Salon