arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root ˈer-ō-ˌrüt How to pronounce arrowroot (audio)
-ˌru̇t,
ˈer-ə-,
ˈa-rō-,
ˈa-rə-
plural arrowroots
1
a
: any of a genus (Maranta of the family Marantaceae, the arrowroot or prayer plant family) of tropical American plants that typically have tuberous roots : maranta
especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch
b
: any of several plants (such as coontie) that yield starch
2
: starch yielded by an arrowroot

Examples of arrowroot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
As its name suggests, this cream is infused with antioxidant-rich goji berry, black soybean, and arrowroot extracts to boost skin elasticity. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024 Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder work together to absorb any excess oil and buy you time between blowouts. Clare Holden, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024 Starches Cornstarch, potato starch, arrowroot powder, and tapioca starch can all be used as egg replacements when whisked with water into a smooth paste. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2023 The Best Anti-Chafing Products Body Glide Anti-Friction Cream One of the banner brands in the anti-chafing arena, Body Glide’s clean-recipe cream contains arrowroot powder and kaolin to absorb moisture as well as coconut oil to encourage smooth rubbing. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 31 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for arrowroot 

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrowroot was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near arrowroot

Cite this Entry

“Arrowroot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrowroot. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

arrowroot

noun
ar·​row·​root -ˌrüt How to pronounce arrowroot (audio)
-ˌru̇t
1
: any of several plants of warm regions of Central and South America with starchy roots
2
: an edible starch from the roots of an arrowroot plant

Medical Definition

arrowroot

noun
1
a
: any plant of the genus Maranta
especially : one (M. arundinacea) whose roots yield an easily digested edible starch
b
: any of several plants (as of the genera Zamia and Curcuma) that yield a similar starch
2
: starch yielded by an arrowroot

More from Merriam-Webster on arrowroot

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