manihot esculenta

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Word: Manihot esculenta

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Manihot esculenta" is the scientific name for a plant commonly known as cassava. It has long, edible roots that are very important in many diets around the world. The plant also has soft and brittle stems. Cassava is often used to make different foods, including tapioca and a drink called cassiri.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "manihot esculenta" when you want to refer specifically to the scientific name of cassava.
• When discussing food or cooking, you can simply use "cassava" to make it easier for everyday conversation.

Example:

• Scientific Context: "Manihot esculenta is cultivated in tropical regions for its starchy roots."
• Everyday Context: "I made a delicious dish using cassava yesterday."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific and botanical discussions, it's important to use the full name "Manihot esculenta," especially when talking about classification, cultivation, or the plant's properties. In culinary discussions, simply saying "cassava" is more common.

Word Variants:

• Cassava (common name)
• Tapioca (a product made from cassava)
• Cassiri (a drink made from fermented cassava)

Different Meanings:

While "manihot esculenta" specifically refers to the cassava plant, "cassava" can have broader meanings, referring to the various products made from it, such as flour or tapioca pearls.

Synonyms:

• Yucca (though this can also refer to a different plant)
• Manioc (another name for cassava)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "manihot esculenta" or cassava. However, you might hear phrases like "rooted in tradition" when discussing how cassava is used in various cultures.

Cultural Note:

Cassava is a staple food in many tropical countries and is a significant source of carbohydrates. It is often used in various dishes, desserts, and even alcoholic beverages in some cultures.

Academic

Noun

1. cassava with long tuberous edible roots and soft brittle stems; used especially to make cassiri (an intoxicating drink) and tapioca

Synonyms

• bitter cassava
• manioc
• mandioc
• mandioca
• tapioca plant
• gari
• Manihot esculenta
• Manihot utilissima