arrowroot

noun4

1. •
   Maranta arundinacea from the Marantaceae family, a large perennial herb native to the Caribbean area with green leaves about 15 centimeters long.
2. •
   A starchy substance obtained from the rhizomes of an arrowroot plant used as a thickener.

   • For food, they [ancient Hawaiians] mixed the arrowroot with coconut cream or milk (wai o ka nui), or wrapped it in tī (kī) leaves. Also they steamed the arrowroot in an imu to make the dessert haupia. — 1982
3. •
   Usually preceded by an attributive word: some other plant whose rhizomes are used to prepare a substance similar to arrowroot, such as Zamia integrifolia (Florida arrowroot) or Pueraria montana var. lobata (Japanese arrowroot or kudzu).

   • Arrowroot (pia) is a member of the Tacca family. […] The ancient Hawaiians used the arrowroot (pia) as a food and as a medicine. — 1982
4. •
   Other plants with similar appearance or properties, such as common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)|