noun
plural starches
a substance that is found in certain foods (such as bread, rice, and potatoes) [noncount]
[noncount] :a powder or liquid that contains starch and is used to make clothing stiff
take the starch out of
US informal + old-fashioned :to make (someone) weak or unsure :to cause (someone) to lose energy or confidence
verb
starches; starched; starching
[+ obj] :to make (clothing) stiff by using starch
US