Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fine white powder made from corn (maize) kernels: Cornstarch is a starch extracted from the endosperm of corn. It is a common culinary ingredient.
   • A thickening agent used in cooking: Its primary function is to thicken sauces, gravies, puddings, and pie fillings.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to thicken it.
  • Cornstarch is often used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in recipes.
  • The recipe calls for mixing the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid.

Advanced Usage

• "A cornstarch slurry": A mixture of cornstarch and a cold liquid (like water or broth) used to thicken hot liquids without forming lumps.

  • Make a cornstarch slurry by whisking one part cornstarch with two parts water.

• As a coating for frying: Cornstarch can be used to coat foods before frying to create a crispier texture.

  • For extra-crispy chicken, dredge it in cornstarch before frying.

Variants and Related Words

• Cornflour (chiefly British English): This is the British term for cornstarch. Note: In American English, "corn flour" can refer to a more finely ground whole corn product.
• Starch (n): A broader category of carbohydrates; cornstarch is a specific type of starch.
• Thickener (n): A general term for substances like cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot used to thicken foods.

Synonyms

• Thickening agent: A substance used to increase the viscosity of a liquid.
• Maize starch: Another technical name for cornstarch, emphasizing its source.

Related Phrases

• "To thicken with cornstarch": The standard phrase describing its primary culinary action.
  • If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: In a culinary context, "cornstarch" almost exclusively refers to the refined white thickening powder.
• Non-Culinary Use: It can also be used in various industrial applications (e.g., in adhesives, bioplastics) and in personal care products (e.g., as a base for baby powder). However, the cooking use is by far the most common for general learners.
  • Some homemade dry shampoos use cornstarch to absorb oil.

Noun

1. starch prepared from the grains of corn; used in cooking as a thickener