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Starch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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starch

[stษ‘หrtสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cooking

Starch is a carbohydrate that is commonly found in plants, serving as a storage form of energy. It is composed of long chains of glucose molecules and is a major source of calories in the human diet. Starch is often used as a thickening agent in cooking.

Synonyms

carbohydrate, polysaccharide, thickener.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
starch

Repeated word
carbohydrate

Use 'carbohydrate' when talking about a broad category of macronutrients found in foods, which includes sugars, starches, and fibers. Typically used in discussions regarding nutrition and diets.

  • Bread and pasta are high in carbohydrates.
  • Carbohydrates give you the energy needed for daily activities.
polysaccharide

Use 'polysaccharide' in a scientific or formal context when referring to complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharide units. Often found in academic or technical discussions.

  • Cellulose is a common polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants.
  • Starch and glycogen are types of polysaccharides important for energy storage.
thickener

Use 'thickener' when referring to any substance, often a starch, that is added to food or other mixtures to increase their viscosity. It's more commonly used in culinary contexts.

  • Cornstarch is a popular thickener for soups and sauces.
  • He added a thickener to the gravy to make it less runny.

Examples of usage

  • Add a bit of starch to the sauce to thicken it up.
  • Potatoes and rice are rich in starch.
  • Cornstarch is commonly used in baking.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

In chemistry, starch is a white, tasteless, odorless, and solid substance that consists of a mixture of two types of complex carbohydrates: amylose and amylopectin. It is commonly used in various industries, such as textile, paper, and pharmaceutical.

Synonyms

complex carbohydrate, polysaccharide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
starch

In this context, starch can also refer to the purified substance used for stiffening fabrics in laundry, appearing in care instructions or household tips.

  • He used starch to give his shirts a crisp appearance.
  • Ironing with starch can help your clothes hold their shape longer.
complex carbohydrate

Used often in nutritional and scientific contexts to emphasize the presence of long chains of sugar molecules, particularly in discussions about diet and health.

  • Athletes typically consume complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
  • Whole grains are a healthy source of complex carbohydrates.
polysaccharide

Primarily utilized in scientific or academic settings to refer to long carbohydrate molecules with multiple sugar units. It is more technical and less common in everyday conversation.

  • Cellulose is a type of polysaccharide found in plant cell walls.
  • Scientists study polysaccharides to understand how they function in biological systems.

Examples of usage

  • The starch molecule is made up of glucose units.
  • Starch can be broken down into sugars through enzymatic reactions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Starch is a key ingredient in sauces and gravies, helping to create a desired thickness.
  • It is commonly used in the food industry for making snacks, as a coating or binding agent.
  • Different types of starch (like cornstarch, arrowroot, and tapioca) can alter the texture and flavor of dishes.

Biological Significance

  • In our bodies, starch gets broken down into glucose, which is the main energy source for our cells.
  • Plants store energy in the form of starch, which is why root vegetables are often high in this carbohydrate.
  • The digestion of starch begins in the mouth with saliva, making this process unique compared to other carbohydrates.

Cultural Impact

  • Starch-based staples like rice, bread, and potatoes are central to diets worldwide, influencing food culture.
  • Feasts and celebrations often feature starch-laden dishes, symbolizing abundance and hospitality.
  • Cuisines around the world incorporate different starch sources, reflecting local agriculture and traditions.

Health Aspects

  • Starch can be categorized into simple and complex forms; complex versions provide prolonged energy release.
  • There's a growing trend in health discussions regarding the balance of starch intake with fiber and whole grains.
  • Some diets focus on reducing starch, arguing for a lower-carb approach, while others emphasize whole grains for their health benefits.

Origin of 'starch'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'styrce,' which means 'to stiffen,' relating to how starch can thicken and give structure.
  • In Middle English, it was referred to as 'starch,' identifying it as a crucial ingredient in cooking.
  • The scientific term 'amylum' is derived from Latin, used in the context of the starch's chemistry and structure.

The word 'starch' comes from the Old French 'estarche', which is derived from the Latin 'amylum' and the Greek 'amylon', meaning 'fine flour'. Starch has been used for centuries by humans for various purposes, including as a food source and for industrial applications.

See also: starchily.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,123 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.