Tap`i*o"ca (?), n. [Braz. tapioka: cf. Pg., Sp. & F. tapioca.] A coarsely granular substance obtained by heating, and thus partly changing, the moistened starch obtained from the roots of the cassava. It is much used in puddings and as a thickening for soups. See Cassava.

Tap`i*o"ca (?), n. [Braz. tapioka: cf. Pg., Sp. & F. tapioca.] A coarsely granular substance obtained by heating, and thus partly changing, the moistened starch obtained from the roots of the cassava. It is much used in puddings and as a thickening for soups. See Cassava.

• A starchy food made from the cassava plant used in puddings.
  
• relating to the ingredient or the flavoring used in tapioca puddings.