cassava

noun

cas·​sa·​va kə-ˈsä-və 

: any of several American plants (genus Manihot, especially M. esculenta) of the spurge family grown in the tropics for their edible tuberous roots which yield a nutritious starch

also : the root

called also mandioca, manioc, yuca, yucca

compare tapioca sense 1

Note: Since raw cassava contains glycosides which release cyanide when crushed, the leaves and roots must be soaked, cooked, or fermented before consumption to prevent poisoning.

Examples of cassava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to recent tests by Consumer Reports, cassava-containing products can sometimes have very high levels of lead. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Dine on yuca con chicarron (cassava with pork skins) or Mexican ceviche or select from the vast array of breakfast, lunch or dinner selections. —Loán Lake, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025

The skin of the cassava root naturally contains a toxic compound called linamarin that converts to cyanide in the body and can lead to cyanide poisoning. —Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025

Spaces to roam are flanked by a central courtyard restaurant that buzzes with diners who feast over The House’s signature lobster pasta, moquecas (Brazilian fish stew), and cassava gnocchi. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish cazabe cassava bread, from Taino caçábi

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cassava

• balaclava
• cava
• fava
• guava
• jahveh
• lava

Kids Definition

cassava

noun

cas·​sa·​va kə-ˈsäv-ə 

: any of several tropical plants with a fleshy root that yields a nourishing starch

also : the root or its starch compare tapioca