starch

Everyday

1. A white substance found in foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes, which gives the body energy. tree →
2. A powder or spray used to make clothes stiff. tree →
3. (verb) To make cloth stiff with starch. tree →
4. A person who is starched-up is very stiff, formal and proud in their manner. tree →

In the lessons

In science and healthy-eating lessons, starch is a carbohydrate: energy foods are «starchy foods». A classic test: iodine solution turns blue-black when there is starch in a food; plants make starch in their leaves from sugar to store energy. In history, collars and shirts were starched stiff. Phrases: «starchy foods», «test for starch», «iodine test».

Examples

• Bread, rice and potatoes are full of starch. tree →
• Starchy foods give you energy. tree →
• Iodine turns blue-black when it touches starch. tree →
• We tested foods for starch in science. tree →
• Plants store food as starch. tree →
• The cook used corn starch to thicken the gravy. tree →
• Grandma starched the tablecloth for the party. tree →
• Saliva begins breaking down starch in your mouth. tree →
• It is true, I was always a fine starched-up gentleman! tree →

Note

Uncountable in general, «starches» for kinds. Adjective «starchy» (full of starch; also stiff and formal). Iodine is poisonous to drink — only use it as the teacher says.