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achira

achira

9.9
A South American plant grown for its starchy edible root used to make arrowroot starch
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : achira
  • Farmers often harvest achira to make arrowroot starch used in baking and cooking.

Examples

  • In Peru, achira leaves are also used to wrap traditional pastries.

  • The achira plant thrives in wet, tropical climates.

  • Achira is cultivated in South America for its starchy tubers used in cooking.

  • Farmers often harvest achira to process its root into arrowroot starch.

  • Many farmers grow achiras for their nutritious rootstock.

  • Achira is a crucial ingredient in many traditional dishes because of its edible rootstock.

  • In regions where achira is grown, people appreciate its starchy roots for their nutritional value.

Synonyms

arrowroot
vsachira
1 6.9

A tropical plant with roots that make a fine starch for cooking

is a specific American species, not the general plant category
Canna edulis
vsachira
  • Specialized
9.5

A plant grown for its starchy root to make arrowroot flour

is the common American name for the same species
Canna indica
vsachira
  • Specialized
9.8

A plant that people grow for its edible roots used to make arrowroot starch

is a regional American term referring to that cultivated species
Indian shot
vsachira
9.8

A tropical plant grown for its edible root that people use to make starch for cooking

is the American name focusing on the same edible root use
American arrowroot
vsachira
  • US
8.6

A West Indian plant whose root makes a fine starch used to thicken food

refers to a tropical American plant rather than the West Indian variety

Surface Forms

achira singular
achiras plural

Etymology

Achira comes from a native South American name for a canna plant that people eat for its starchy 'root', which is used like arrowroot starch. So achira today refers to the plant grown for its edible tuber.