cassava

/kə'sɑ:və/

Friendly

Word: Cassava

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Cassava is a type of plant that has thick, fleshy roots. These roots are very nutritious and are often used as food. When prepared properly, cassava can be eaten as a staple food, especially in tropical regions. The root can also be processed to make tapioca, which is a starchy substance used in various dishes.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: When talking about food, you can use "cassava" to refer to the root itself or the dishes made from it.
• Example Sentence: "In many tropical countries, cassava is a common part of the diet."

Advanced Usage:

• Cassava is often used in different forms, such as flour, chips, or in dishes like cassava pudding.
• It can be important in discussions about food security in tropical regions, as it is a major source of carbohydrates.

Word Variants:

• Cassava Plant: Refers to the entire plant, not just the root.
• Tapioca: A product made from cassava root, often found in desserts and beverages.

Different Meanings:

• While "cassava" primarily refers to the plant and its roots, it can also refer to food products made from it, like tapioca pearls used in bubble tea.

Synonyms:

• Yuca: Another common name for cassava, especially in some Latin American countries.
• Manihot: The scientific genus name for cassava plants.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "cassava." However, you might encounter phrases like "staple food" or "root vegetables" in discussions about food.

Summary:

Cassava is an important plant in tropical countries, providing nutritious roots that can be eaten or processed into other food products like tapioca.

Academic

Noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Manihot having fleshy roots yielding a nutritious starch
2. cassava root eaten as a staple food after drying and leaching; source of tapioca
3. a starch made by leaching and drying the root of the cassava plant; the source of tapioca; a staple food in the tropics

Synonyms

• casava
• manioc
• cassava starch
• manioca