|
| starch [ staarch ] |
noun (plural starch·es) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. carbohydrate substance: a natural substance composed of chains of glucose units, made by plants and providing a major energy source for animals. The two main components of starch are amylose and amylopectin. (C6H10O5)n
|
2. stiffening substance for fabrics: a white powder extracted from potatoes and grain. Use: fabric stiffener.
|
3. starchy foodstuff: a foodstuff that contains a large amount of starch
|
4. stiff and formal manner: behavior marked by a stiff manner and formality
|
5. courage: great courage or energy
|
transitive verb (past and past participle starched, present participle starch·ing, 3rd person present singular starch·es) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
stiffen fabric: to stiffen fabric with starch
|
| [ Assumed Old English stercan "stiffen" < Germanic, "be rigid"] |
