arrowroot

What is another word for arrowroot? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A tall perennial tropical plant, Maranta arundinacea, native to the Caribbean area, grown for its starchy rhizomes.

We haven't recorded synonyms for arrowroot yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use arrowroot

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

arrowroot powder arrowroot starch arrowroot flour thicken with arrowroot

Arrowroot is a neutral everyday word, mostly heard in cooking and gardening.

Etymology

The word comes from Lokono aru-aru, which literally means meal of meals. It was reshaped by the English words arrow and root, because the plant's rhizomes were used on wounds from poison darts to draw out the poison.

Full origin of arrowroot →

Frequently asked questions

What is arrowroot?

Arrowroot is a tropical plant, and also the starchy powder made from its rhizomes. The powder is used to thicken foods.

What is arrowroot used for?

Arrowroot powder is used as a thickener in cooking, for example in sauces and glazes.

Why is it called arrowroot?

The name was influenced by the words arrow and root, since the plant's rhizomes were applied to poison dart wounds to absorb the poison. It originally comes from the Lokono name aru-aru.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of arrowroot