Meaning of the word starch in English

What does starch mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

starch

US /stɑːrtʃ/
UK /stɑːtʃ/
"starch" picture

Noun

1.

a white, granular, organic chemical that is produced by all green plants. It is a polysaccharide consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is the most common carbohydrate in the human diet and is contained in large amounts in staple foods like potatoes, wheat, maize (corn), rice, and cassava.

Example:
Potatoes are a good source of starch.
The recipe calls for corn starch to thicken the sauce.
2.

a preparation of starch and water used for stiffening fabric, especially cotton or linen, in laundry

Example:
She used starch to make the collar of his shirt stiff.
The laundromat offers a heavy starch option for uniforms.

Verb

to stiffen (fabric, especially cotton or linen) with starch

Example:
She needs to starch her husband's shirts for work.
The hotel laundry service will starch your linens upon request.