Definition

Noun 1. A tropical plant species: Manihot utilissima is the former botanical name for a specific, economically important variety of the cassava plant. It is characterized by long, tuberous roots that are edible after proper processing to remove toxins, and soft, brittle stems. * Primary Meaning: This term refers specifically to the cultivated plant species known for its starchy roots, which are a major food source in tropical regions. It is also used to produce cassiri (a fermented beverage) and tapioca.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Manihot utilissima is cultivated extensively for its high-yield roots.
  • The farmer explained that Manihot utilissima requires careful preparation to make it safe for consumption.
  • Traditional methods use Manihot utilissima to produce both food and drink.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Botanical Context: The term is primarily used in historical, taxonomic, or specialized agricultural texts. In modern botanical classification, this plant is more commonly referred to as or simply "cassava."
  • The study compared the cyanogenic glucoside content in Manihot utilissima to other cassava varieties.

Variants and Related Words

• Cassava (n): The common name for plants of the genus , especially , which is the current accepted name for the species once called .
• Manioc (n): Another common name for cassava.
• Tapioca (n): A starch extracted from the cassava root, often used in puddings and as a thickener.
• Yuca (n): A name for cassava root used in Spanish-speaking regions and the United States (note: distinct from the ornamental plant ).

Synonyms

• Bitter cassava: Refers to varieties of cassava, like , that contain higher levels of cyanogenic glucosides and require processing.
• Manioc plant.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical vs. Modern Usage: It is important to note that is an older taxonomic name. While it precisely identifies a specific type of cassava, the term cassava or the current botanical name Manihot esculenta is far more prevalent in contemporary usage, from everyday language to scientific literature. This word is encountered most often in historical references or specific technical contexts.

Noun

1. cassava with long tuberous edible roots and soft brittle stems; used especially to make cassiri (an intoxicating drink) and tapioca