cornstarch
UK: ˈkɔːnstɑːtʃ | US: ˈkɔːrnstɑːrtʃ
n. a fine, powdery starch made from corn (maize), used as a thickening agent in cooking.
cornstarch = corn<grain, from Old English "corn"> + starch<stiff substance, from Old English "stearc">
Etymology Origin:
The word "cornstarch" is a compound of "corn" (referring to maize in American English, derived from Old English "corn" meaning grain) and "starch" (from Old English "stearc," meaning stiff or rigid, reflecting starch's thickening properties). The term emerged in the 19th century as industrial food processing popularized maize-derived starch. The combination logically reflects its source (corn) and function (starch as a thickening agent).
Cornstarch is often used to thicken soups and sauces.
For a gluten-free alternative, replace flour with cornstarch in the recipe.
The pudding solidified after adding a teaspoon of cornstarch.
Cornstarch can also be used to make biodegradable plastics.
Dust the chicken with cornstarch before frying for a crispier texture.