: any of several American plants (genus Manihot, especially M. esculenta) of the spurge family grown in the tropics for their edible tuberous roots which yield a nutritious starch
also : the root
called also mandioca, manioc, yuca, yucca
compare tapioca sense 1Note: Since raw cassava contains glycosides which release cyanide when crushed, the leaves and roots must be soaked, cooked, or fermented before consumption to prevent poisoning.
Examples of cassava in a Sentence
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Less common are cassava, coconut and chickpea flours. —
Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026 This version gets seasoned with chipotle pepper and a homemade ranch, then wrapped in cassava tortillas with crisp romaine. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 Spicy piri-piri chicken is popular, as is matapa—a traditional, creamy stew made from cassava leaves, coconut milk, and ground nuts, often served with succulent shellfish. —Ali Pantony, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026 Green plots of sorghum, cassava, tomatoes and onions ring its edges. —Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cassava
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026 This version gets seasoned with chipotle pepper and a homemade ranch, then wrapped in cassava tortillas with crisp romaine. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 Spicy piri-piri chicken is popular, as is matapa—a traditional, creamy stew made from cassava leaves, coconut milk, and ground nuts, often served with succulent shellfish. —Ali Pantony, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026 Green plots of sorghum, cassava, tomatoes and onions ring its edges. —Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cassava
Cite this Entry
“Cassava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/cassava. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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