Search

a tropical American plant, Maranta arundinacea, the rhizomes of which yield a nutritious starch.
the starch itself.
any of several other plants yielding a similar starch.
the starch of these plants, used in cooking as a binder or thickener.
Historical Examples

To put the arrowroot into hot water spoils the effect which is desired.
Boating W. B. Woodgate

The flour grated from the mass should be used the same as arrowroot or rice.’
The Physical Life of Woman: Dr. George H Napheys

She was taking him the arrowroot which I had ordered over-night.
The Stark Munro Letters J. Stark Munro

The best hats are made of the stalks of the arrowroot plant.
The Life of Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson Nellie van De Grift Sanchez

Manihot starch is sometimes imported into Europe under the name of Brazilian arrowroot.
The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom P. L. Simmonds

Amanda was standing at the 136 stove stirring his arrowroot gruel.
Ladies-In-Waiting Kate Douglas Wiggin

Chinese arrowroot is said to be made from the root of Nelumbium speciosum.
The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom P. L. Simmonds

Eggs, cakes, jelly in a basin, neat packets of arrowroot—it was no dream.
Black, White and Gray Amy Walton

You may tell them that he takes mutton chops for dinner, and the best of arrowroot for supper.
Shirley Charlotte Bront

So they all took out their arrowroot cakes and ate till they were satisfied.
Zanzibar Tales Various

noun
a white-flowered West Indian plant, Maranta arundinacea, whose rhizomes yield an easily digestible starch: family Marantaceae
the starch obtained from this plant
any of several other plants whose rhizomes or roots yield starch
n.

1690s, from arrow + root (n.). So called because it was used to absorb toxins from poison-dart wounds.