starch
starch Lexical Profile
starch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A complex, odorless, and tasteless carbohydrate found abundantly in plant seeds, tubers, and roots, serving as a primary energy source in human diets.
"Potatoes, rice, and wheat are dietary staples because they contain high amounts of starch."
A commercially prepared powder or liquid derived from plants, used primarily to stiffen woven fabrics and clothing during laundering.
"The dry cleaner applied heavy starch to the collar of the dress shirt to keep it crisp."
Stiffness, formality, or rigidness of manner and character.
"There was a certain starch in her posture that intimidated the junior staff."
• verb
To stiffen clothing or fabric by applying a starch solution before ironing.
"She carefully starched the antique lace tablecloth to ensure it laid perfectly flat for the dinner party."
• Rhymes for starch
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'starche', derived from Old English 'stearc' meaning 'stiff' or 'strong', ultimately of Germanic origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.