Definition of: starch

(stärch) noun
1. Biochem. A white, odorless, tasteless, amorphous, powdery carbohydrate (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n, insoluble in cold water, alcohol, and other liquids, found in the seeds, pith, or tubers of most plants. Starch is an exceedingly important component of vegetable foods, reacting with certain digestive enzymes to produce maltose and dextrin; it is also used in the commercial production of glucose, for stiffening linen, and for many industrial purposes.
2. Stiffness or formality; a stiff or formal manner.
3. U.S. Slang Energy; vigor.
—v.t. To apply starch to; stiffen with or as with starch. [ME sterche <OE stercan stiffen <stearc stiff. Related to STARK.]