marshmallow
marshmallow Lexical Profile
marshmallow Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A soft, spongy confection traditionally made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings, often toasted over an open fire or added to hot chocolate.
"We gathered around the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s'mores."
A person who is not tough or strict, but rather soft, gentle, or easily persuaded.
"Despite his intimidating appearance, he is actually a marshmallow who cries at sad movies."
A perennial herbaceous plant in the mallow family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, which typically grows in damp or marshy areas.
"The herbalist harvested the roots of the marshmallow to prepare a soothing tea for sore throats."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'merscmealwe', a compound of 'mersc' (marsh) and 'mealwe' (mallow), originally referring to the mallow plant (Althaea officinalis) that grows in wetlands. The root sap of this plant was historically used to thicken and sweeten the modern confection.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.