Webster's English Dictionary

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starch

1. starch \'sta:rch\ vt [ME sterchen, prob. fr. (assumed) OE stercan to 
   stiffen; akin to OE] stearc stiff - more at STARK : to stiffen with or as 
   if with starch 
2. starch n 1: a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex 
   carbohydrate (C6H 10O5)x that is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in 
   plants, is an important foodstuff, and is used also in adhesives and sizes, 
   in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine 2: a stiff formal manner : 
   FORMALITY  3: resolute vigor