maranta

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. any of numerous herbs of the genus Maranta having tuberous starchy roots and large sheathing leaves
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Maranta \Ma*ran"ta\, prop. n. [NL.] (Bot.) A genus of endogenous plants found in tropical America, and some species also in India. They have tuberous roots containing a large amount of starch, and from one species (Maranta arundinacea, the American arrowroot or obedience plant) arrowroot (arrowroot starch) is obtained. Many kinds are cultivated for ornament. [1913 Webster]
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