yuca

Definition

cassava

Etymology

Via Spanish yuca (also historically juca), frequently said to be of Taíno origin. While the word is almost certainly from an indigenous American language, the source is not known. Perhaps from Kari'na yuca (“cassava”) , but this appears to be a ghost word. Doublet of yucca.

Example Sentences

• "In the equatorial regions of South America, starch is abundantly prepared from the Yuca (Jatropha manihot), and from several species of palm."
• "She spooned out yuca into what I assume was my plate, and chorizo from a red frying pan."