noun

cassava

kuh-SAH-vuh

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Cassava (noun) means a tropical plant grown for its starchy edible root, also known as manioc. Example: “Farmers across the region grow cassava alongside maize and beans.”

noun

A tropical plant grown for its starchy edible root, also known as manioc.

"Farmers across the region grow cassava alongside maize and beans."

"Cassava thrives in poor soil where many other crops struggle."

The starchy root of this plant, eaten as a staple food in many tropical countries.

"She peeled and boiled the cassava before mashing it."

"Fried cassava chips were served alongside the fish."

"Cassava flour is used to make a type of flatbread."

Tapioca, a starchy food made from the pulp of the cassava root.

"The pudding was thickened with cassava rather than cornflour."

"They sell cassava in small pearls for making desserts."

How to use cassava

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA starchy tropical root vegetable, also called manioc or yuca.

When to use it

A standard word used in cooking, farming and everyday speech across many countries.

Memory tip

Cassava, manioc and yuca all name the same root vegetable, with the choice of word often depending on region.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

cassava root cassava flour boiled cassava cassava chips

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Farmers across the region grow _____ alongside maize and beans.

Etymology

Cassava was borrowed from a Spanish word for the root, which itself came from a Taíno word for cassava flour, tracing back further to an earlier Arawak root.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

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manioc yuca manioca casava

Rhymes for cassava

Ava lava Java Cava Sava Nava guava brava slava baklava balaclava Bratislava

See all rhymes for cassava →

Frequently asked questions

What is cassava?

It is a tropical plant grown for its starchy root, which is eaten as a staple food in many countries.

Is cassava the same as tapioca?

Tapioca is a starchy food made from cassava root, so the two are closely related but not identical in every use of the word.

Is cassava the same as yuca?

Yes, yuca is another common name for cassava and its root.

What is the meaning of cassava?

"cassava" (noun) means a tropical plant grown for its starchy edible root, also known as manioc.