: 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 1Note: 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
Gluten-Free Bread Gluten-free bread is typically made with corn, cassava, potato, tapioca, and rice starch.
—
Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
The sea salt crackers are made of cassava flour, made also only with avocado oil, flax seed, coconut sugar and rosemary extract.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
This starch is extracted from the roots of cassava plants.
—Samantha Lauriello, Health, 6 Aug. 2025
Proper preparation of cassava is very important, because depending on the variety of cassava, there could be a risk of cyanide poisoning if eaten raw.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cassava
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
The sea salt crackers are made of cassava flour, made also only with avocado oil, flax seed, coconut sugar and rosemary extract.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
This starch is extracted from the roots of cassava plants.
—Samantha Lauriello, Health, 6 Aug. 2025
Proper preparation of cassava is very important, because depending on the variety of cassava, there could be a risk of cyanide poisoning if eaten raw.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cassava
Cite this Entry
“Cassava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cassava. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share