arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root ˈer-ō-ˌrüt 

-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

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

Word History

Etymology

arrow entry 1 + root entry 1

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

arrowroot

noun

ar·​row·​root -ˌrüt 

-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

ar·​row·​root ˈar-ō-ˌrüt, ˈar-ə-, -ˌru̇t 

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