Marshmallow

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /mɑːʃˈmaləʊ/
• US IPA: /ˈmɑɹʃˌmÉ›l.oÊŠ/, /ˈmɑɹʃˌmæl.oÊŠ/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)ʃmÉ›ləʊ, Rhymes: -æləʊ

Alternative forms

• marsh mallow

Origin

Old English merscmealwe, corresponding to marsh + mallow.

Full definition of marshmallow

Noun

1. A species of mallow, , that grows in marshy terrain. from 9th c.
• 1653, Nicholas Culpeper, The English Physician Enlarged, Folio Society 2007, p. 180:Our common Marsh Mallows have diverse soft, hoary white stalks rising to be three or four foot high, spreading forth many branches.
2. A type of confectionery consisting of sugar or corn syrup, beaten egg whites, gelatin that has been pre-softened in water, gum arabic and flavorings, whipped to a spongy consistency. from 19th c.
• unknown date Love, Life and Work:The Disagreeable Girl is a female of the genus homo persuasion, built around a digestive apparatus that possesses marked marshmallow proclivities.
• unknown date PH Wodehouse, A Wodehouse Miscellany:It was an apple marshmallow sundae, I recollect. I dug my spoon into it with an assumption of gaiety which I was far from feeling.
3. (figuratively) Someone who is soft and benign.He acts like a total badass, but he's really just a marshmallow once you get to know him.