marshmallow

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) Marsh mallow, a species of mallow, Althaea officinalis, that grows in marshy terrain.
2. (countable, uncountable) A type of confectionery, originally (since Ancient Egyptian times) made from this plant, but now generally made of sugar or corn syrup, gelatin that has been presoftened in water, gum arabic, flavorings, and sometimes beaten egg whites, all whipped to a spongy consistency.
3. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) Someone who is soft and benign.

Verb

To soften (literally or figuratively).

Synonyms

marsh mallow

white mallow

candy

🍬

spun sugar

common marshmallow

toffee

caramel

Translations

malvavisco

guimauve

Marshmallow

guimauve officinale

marshmallow

Eibisch

altea

chamallow

malví

heemst

altea

Mäusespeck

Althaea

Pronounced as (IPA)

/mɑːʃˈmæləʊ/

Etymology

Inherited from Old English: mersċmealwe

In summary

From Old English mersċmealwe, corresponding to marsh + mallow.