cassava: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in agricultural, culinary, and botanical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cassava” mean?
A tropical plant with starchy tuberous roots used as a staple food, from which tapioca is made.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical plant with starchy tuberous roots used as a staple food, from which tapioca is made.
Refers to the root vegetable itself, the flour derived from it, or the plant species Manihot esculenta.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; term is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with tropical regions, developing economies, and traditional cuisines.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to historical colonial ties to cassava-growing regions, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “cassava” in a Sentence
Farmers [verb: grow/cultivate/harvest] cassava.Cassava [verb: is grown/provides/yields] a staple crop.The recipe calls for [amount] of cassava flour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cassava” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cassava harvest was particularly good this year.
- We need to source some sustainable cassava for the new product line.
American English
- Cassava flour is a popular gluten-free alternative.
- The farm specializes in growing organic yuca, also known as cassava.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to commodity trading, agricultural exports, or food manufacturing supply chains.
Academic
Used in agricultural science, botany, development economics, and food security studies.
Everyday
Discussing ingredients, gluten-free cooking, or travel experiences.
Technical
Specifying plant varieties, processing methods (e.g., detoxification), or starch properties.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cassava”
- Spelling: 'cassava' not 'casava' or 'cassava'.
- Confusion: Using 'tapioca' to refer to the raw root (tapioca is the processed starch).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cassava' and 'yuca' refer to the same plant and its starchy root, especially in American English culinary contexts.
Cassava is high in carbohydrates and calories but low in protein and fats. It provides energy and some minerals but must be prepared correctly to remove natural toxins in some varieties.
Cassava is the root vegetable. Tapioca is a refined starch extracted from the cassava root, often sold as pearls, flakes, or flour.
No. Raw cassava, especially the bitter variety, contains cyanide-producing compounds and must be cooked thoroughly (e.g., boiled, roasted, fermented) to be safe for consumption.
A tropical plant with starchy tuberous roots used as a staple food, from which tapioca is made.
Cassava is usually neutral to formal; common in agricultural, culinary, and botanical contexts. in register.
Cassava: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈsɑː.və/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈsɑː.və/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CASTLE (cassa-) made of VArious (va) starchy roots.
Conceptual Metaphor
CASSAVA IS A FOUNDATION (e.g., 'Cassava is the bedrock of food security in the region.')
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary product derived from cassava?