Word Study
arrowroot
CIDE DICTIONARY
arrowroot, n.
- A white-flowered west Indian plant of the genus
Maranta , esp.Maranta arundinacea , now cultivated in many hot countries. Its root yieldsarrowroot starch . It said that the Indians used the roots to neutralize the venom in wounds made by poisoned arrows. [1913 Webster] - A nutritive starch obtained from the rootstocks of
Maranta arundinacea , and used as food, esp. for children an invalids; also, a similar starch obtained from other plants, as various species ofMaranta andCurcuma . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
arrowroot, n. a plant of the family Marantaceae from which a starch is prepared and used for nutritional and medicinal purposes.
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