Tapioca (noun)

1. A starchy substance extracted from the root of the cassava plant, used to make a pudding or as a thickener in cooking.
2. A starchy substance extracted from the root of the cassava plant, used as a thickener in cooking or to make a pudding.

Origin:

From tupi-guarani tipi'óka.

Examples:

1. He was making tapioca pudding.
2. The tapioca was used as a thickener in the soup.
3. The tapioca pearls were used to make bubble tea.
4. The tapioca flour was used to make gluten-free bread.
5. Tapioca is a staple food in some parts of the world.