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 Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, traditional bubble tea pearls are made of tapioca, which is a starch extracted from cassava, a root vegetable. —Korin Miller, Health, 9 May 2024

Cassava fritters, cassava fries, cassava cakes … cassava’s possibilities are nearly endless. —Stephen Wooding, The Conversation, 1 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish cazabe cassava bread, from Taino caçábi

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

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