How Do You Spell ARROWROOT?

Pronunciation: [ˈaɹə͡ʊɹˌuːt] (IPA)

Arrowroot is a starchy root commonly used in cooking and baking. The word is spelled as /ˈær.əʊ.ruːt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as "air-o-root" with stress on the second syllable. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as the "a" in "cat", while the "o" in the second syllable sounds like the "o" in "no". The spelling of arrowroot reflects the English language's tendency to borrow words and phonemes from other languages, in this case, Native American Arawak.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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ARROWROOT Meaning and Definition

  1. Arrowroot is a starchy substance derived from the rhizomes of various tropical plants, primarily Maranta arundinacea. It is often used as a thickening agent in cooking and has a fine texture with a white or slightly off-white color. The term "arrowroot" can also refer to the plant that produces this starch.

    Arrowroot is known for its clear and non-gelling properties, making it an excellent choice for thickening sauces, soups, and desserts. It is particularly useful in dishes needing a glossy finish without altering the color. The starch is extracted from the rhizomes by washing, peeling, and grinding them into a pulp. The pulp is then soaked in water, and the milky liquid is separated and allowed to settle. The sediment is collected, dried, and ground into a fine white powder.

    Arrowroot is not just valued for its thickening properties but is also sought for its digestibility and lack of gluten. It is easily digested by the human body and is especially beneficial for individuals with sensitivities to wheat or gluten. In addition to culinary applications, arrowroot is used in various industries, including medicine, cosmetics, and the manufacture of pastes and adhesives.

    Overall, arrowroot is a versatile and nutritious starch that is widely used in the culinary world due to its thickening ability, clear texture, and gluten-free nature.

  2. The rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, a plant of tropical America; the source of a form of starch formerly much used in the diet of children and invalids.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ARROWROOT

Etymology of ARROWROOT

The word "arrowroot" derives from two parts: "arrow" and "root". "Arrow" refers to the projectile weapon made of a straight thin shaft with a pointed tip used with a bow, while "root" refers to the underground part of a plant that typically absorbs water and nutrients.

The term "arrowroot" was coined in the 18th century, as it was believed that the roots of this plant were used to treat the wounds caused by arrows in indigenous cultures. However, this belief is a misconception as arrowroot was primarily used as a source of food and not for medicinal purposes.

Plural form of ARROWROOT is ARROWROOTS

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Correct spelling for arrowroot
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