# cassava

/kæsˈɑːvɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cassava
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a tropical plant with a thick, starchy root that people eat as a vegetable. It is a very important food source in many parts of Africa and South America.

For teachers: a woody shrub of the spurge family, native to South America, cultivated for its edible, starchy tuberous roots. The roots are a staple food in tropical regions and are processed into various products like tapioca and cassava flour.

## Examples

- Cassava is a common vegetable in many tropical countries.
- Farmers in the region rely heavily on cassava because it can grow in poor soil where other crops might fail.
- While cassava provides a significant source of calories, it must be processed carefully to remove toxic compounds before it is safe for human consumption.

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