A white, odorless, tasteless carbohydrate powder found in plant tissues, used as a thickening agent in cooking and as a component in laundry to stiffen fabrics.

She added a tablespoon of starch to the sauce to thicken it.

A commercial preparation of starch used to stiffen textiles, especially in laundering.

He used starch to give his shirt collars a crisp finish.

A type of carbohydrate that is an important source of energy in the human diet, found in foods such as potatoes, rice, and bread.

Potatoes are a good source of starch and provide energy for the body.

Firmness, stiffness, or resolute energy in a person's manner or character (figurative).

The coach's speech put some starch back into the team.

starchverb

To stiffen fabric or clothing with starch.

She decided to starch the collars of her husband's shirts to give them a crisp look.

(slang) To knock someone unconscious or defeat decisively.

The challenger was starched by a devastating uppercut in the third round.

starchadjective

Containing, consisting of, or relating to starch.

The researchers tested the viscosity of the starch solution.