tapioca

/ˈtæpiˌoʊkə/

/tæpiˈʌʊkə/

Other forms: tapiocas

Tapioca is a starchy grain that comes from the cassava plant. Tapioca is sometimes processed in small round balls, like the ones you'll find in tapioca pudding, or larger spheres, like the ones in Asian bubble tea.

People in tropical countries often rely on tapioca as a staple food, although it doesn't provide much in the way of nutrients. Tapioca can also be used in cooking to thicken desserts and sauces, particularly in its powdered form. Tapioca comes from a Tupi word, tipioca, "juice of pressed cassava," from the roots tipi, "residue," and ok, "to squeeze."

Definitions of tapioca

1. noun

   granular preparation of cassava starch used to thicken especially puddings
   type of:

   food product, foodstuff

   a substance that can be used or prepared for use as food