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

The cassava plant is toxic if not carefully processed through multiple steps. —Discover Magazine, 2 July 2024

Specifically, a pair of puffs from the brand Lesser Evil, made with organic cassava oil, had some of the highest levels of lead of any baby food CR has ever tested. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 11 June 2024

However, fourth place is held by a dark horse: cassava. —Stephen Wooding, The Conversation, 1 May 2024

While research is ongoing with these cotton products, PLA itself also boasts a positive sustainability profile that is biodegradable and typically made from sugars derived from corn starch, cassava or sugarcane. —Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 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