First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1starch
transitive verb \ˈstärch\
: to make (clothing) stiff by using starch
Full Definition of STARCH
: to stiffen with or as if with starch
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Origin of STARCH
Middle English sterchen, probably from Old English *stercan to stiffen; akin to Old English stearc stiff — more at stark
2starch
noun
: a substance that is found in certain foods (such as bread, rice, and potatoes)
: a powder or liquid that contains starch and is used to make clothing stiff
Full Definition of STARCH
1
: a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex carbohydrate (C6H10O5)x that is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in plants, is an important foodstuff, and is used also in adhesives and sizes, in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine
2
: a stiff formal manner : formality
3
: resolute vigor
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First Known Use of STARCH
15th century
Related to STARCH
STARCH Defined for Kids
1starch
noun \ˈstärch\
Definition of STARCH for Kids
: a white odorless tasteless substance that is the chief form in which carbohydrates are stored in plants, is an important component of many foods (as rice and bread), and has various uses (as for stiffening clothes)
2starch
verb
starchedstarch·ing
Definition of STARCH for Kids
: to stiffen with starch
Medical Dictionary
starch
noun \ˈstärch\
Medical Definition of STARCH
: a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex carbohydrate (C6H10O5)x that is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in plants, is an important foodstuff, has demulcent and absorbent properties, and is used in pharmacy especially as a dusting powder and as a constituent of ointments and pastes
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