Definition of "arrowroot" []

• A starch obtained from the rhizomes of a tropical American perennial herb (Maranta arundinacea). It is used especially in cooking as a thickener. (noun)
• The rhizome of this plant, cooked and eaten as a vegetable or used for starch extraction. (noun)
• The plant itself. (noun)
• The edible starch obtained from the rhizomes or tubers of plants in the genera Canna and Tacca. (noun)
• Any of these plants. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term arrowroot is said to be derived from the fact that the natives of the West Indies use the roots of the plant as an application to wounds made by poison arrows."
• "Stir in arrowroot starch and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until thickened."
• "Another reason that arrowroot is called for in recipes is that it is extremely digestible, moreso than regular wheat flour."