: 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
Both cassava and potato are relatively low in fat and protein.
—
Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025
The scientists analyzed six crops — maize, soybeans, rice, wheat, cassava and sorghum — in more than 12,000 regions across 54 countries.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
This terrain, with its temperate climes and volcanic soil, has long sustained Rwandan crops like tea, coffee, cassava, and beans—and in recent years, it’s been catching the attention of culinary innovators from across the continent.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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
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Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025
The scientists analyzed six crops — maize, soybeans, rice, wheat, cassava and sorghum — in more than 12,000 regions across 54 countries.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
This terrain, with its temperate climes and volcanic soil, has long sustained Rwandan crops like tea, coffee, cassava, and beans—and in recent years, it’s been catching the attention of culinary innovators from across the continent.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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 19 Aug. 2025.
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