Definition

A type of starch that comes from corn, often used to thicken sauces and soups in cooking, as well as in various industrial applications.

Example

I added cornstarch to the sauce to make it thicker.

Conversation

I just bought some cornstarch to try out a new recipe.

Oh nice! What are you planning to make with it?

I want to use it as a thickener for my soup.

That sounds delicious; cornstarch works really well for that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cornstarch → The word is formed from "corn" (from Old English *corn*, meaning grain or seed) and "starch" (from Middle English *starch*, derived from Old French *esparge*, meaning to sprinkle or scatter). Cornstarch refers to the fine powder made from the grain of corn, used as a thickening agent in cooking.

Memory Tip

Think of 'corn' as the grain and 'starch' as the fine powder that comes from it — that's why cornstarch is a powder made from corn.

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