Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

starch

noun

/stɑːrtʃ/

Definition

A carbohydrate found in many plants, which serves as a source of energy.

Examples

Potatoes are high in starch and are often used to make fries and chips.
Baking bread involves the conversion of starches into sugars that yeast can ferment.
Many processed foods contain added starch as a thickening agent.

Meaning

Starch is a polysaccharide that consists of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. It is commonly used by plants to store energy and is a major component of many foods such as potatoes, rice, and corn.