noun
marshmallow
A wetland plant whose sticky root substance was formerly used to make sweets.
Marshmallow grows in damp soil near the edge of the wetland.
Etymology
The compound identifies a mallow growing in marshy ground. Its mucilaginous root was used in sweets, which later inherited the plant’s name.
More examples
- The sticky substance in marshmallow roots was once used to make sweets.
- The gardener plants marshmallows in a damp corner of the garden.
- This marshmallow needs wetter soil to grow well.
Forms
marshmallow · marshmallows
Similar words
- mallow
- A broader name for marshmallow and other related plants.