[marsh.mal.low] n (bef. 12c) 1: a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has a mucilaginous root sometimes used in confectionery and in medicine
2: a confection made from the root of the marshmallow or from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin beaten to a light spongy consistency; also: a piece of partially dried marshmallow "a bag of ~s" -- marsh.mal.lowy adj