'arrowroot' likely originates from an Arawakan (Carib) word 'aru-aru', where 'aru' meant 'meal' or 'starchy root'.

'arrowroot' entered English in the 16th century from colonial reports (often written as 'aro-root' or 'arrow root') and eventually became the single modern word 'arrowroot'.

Initially it referred broadly to an edible/starchy substance (sometimes with medicinal uses, e.g., poultices for arrow wounds); over time it narrowed to mean specifically the powdered starch used as a culinary thickener.