starch Definition

starch
noun starches

1a. biochem.
A carbohydrate that occurs in all green plants, where it serves as an energy store, usually in the form of small white granules in seeds, tubers, etc;
1b. The fine white powder form of this substance that is extracted from potatoes and cereals and which is widely used in the food industry;
1c. A preparation of this substance used to stiffen fabrics and to make paper.
2. Stiffness of manner; over-formality.

verb

starched, starching
1. To stiffen with starch.

Derivative: starched
adj

Derivative: starcher
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon stercan to stiffen.