ˈmärshˌmelō, ˈmȧsh-, -mal-, -lə often -ləw+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English mershmalwe, from Old English merscmealwe, from mersc marsh + mealwe mallow — more at marsh , mallow
1.
a. : a European perennial herb ( Althaea officinalis ) that is naturalized in the eastern U.S., has a dense velvety pubescence, ovate leaves and pink racemose flowers, and produces a mucilaginous root sometimes especially formerly used in confectionery and in medicine
b. : rose mallow 1
2.
a. : a confection in the form of a sweetened paste made from the root of the marshmallow
b. : a confection made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin, beaten to a light creamy consistency, and usually rolled in powdered sugar when partly dry